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IOL News
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Emotional farewell for Presley Chweneyagae - memorial service marred by technical difficulties
Iconic local actor Presley Chweneyagae recently died of natural causes. Image: Instagram. Hundreds of fans tuned in to watch the memorial service of leading actor, Presley Chweneyagae, held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng, North West, but were left extremely disappointed. What was meant to be a heartfelt tribute turned into a frustrating experience for many, as the event was plagued by technical issues and delays. Affectionately known as 'Cobrizi or Mokwepa', Chweneyagae passed away on Tuesday, May 27, at the age of 40 due to natural causes. Starting more than an hour late at 11.15 am, viewers tuning into the live stream were initially eager to share their final messages and memories of the beloved actor in the comments section. As the service got underway, their anticipation quickly turned to disappointment as the stream was frequently interrupted, due to technical difficulties, leading many to voice their grievances online. 'Mxm. Hope Gauteng will give Cobri a proper and respectful memorial service, North West ke disaster fela,' expressed Maleshane Rose Nkate in frustration. Other viewers echoed similar sentiments, commenting on the lack of service delivery, with remarks like, 'Massive useless service delivery by our government' and 'Hay, this is not acceptable'. The situation escalated when the power went out, forcing attendees to break out into gospel songs in the dark. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Amidst the chaos, Mahikeng Municipality's executive mayor, Councillor Tshepiso Mphehlo, took the podium and delivered a moving tribute on Chweneyagae's legacy. He referred to Chweneyagae as one of Mahikeng's most "outstanding sons", recalling how Chweneyagae's rise to fame following his Oscar win for 'Tsotsi' in 2006 instilled hope in many young people in the area. "Like many of us here, I came to know Presley when he rose to stardom in 2006 after winning the Oscar for 'Totsi'. When it was released, there was so much talk and controversy around the movie, at least for the reason that there were two versions of how the movie ends: Does Tsotsi end up getting shot and killed by the police, or does he get arrested? "So many of us watched the movie to see how it ends. "It was during this time that we, as youngsters growing up in Mahikeng, had hoped for a better life because our dusty streets produced an international movie star ... That period was the pinnacle for the arts and culture in Mahikeng," said Mphehlo. He continued: "We are gathered here to bid farewell to a torch bearer of hope. Through the decades, we have seen him illuminate our television screens with his talent. All of the country is mourning Cobrizi ... "Every one of us has lost a great deal one way or another with his passing. For us in Mahikeng, he's our son. He stands out as an inspiration adored amongst us." He also took the opportunity to say that they are going to make Mahikeng "massive again". South African actor and poet Israel Matseke-Zulu, best known for his roles in "Gaz'lam", "Gomora" and "Tsotsi", offered a song followed by a poignant speech. "Thanks for the opportunity to be recognised as one of the friends of Presley Chweneyagae. We've done everything with him ... He proved that where you come from doesn't determine your destination. "You can come from the west and become the greatest. No one can replace him, but we can follow in his legacy. There is so much talent here, but it needs to be nurtured and promoted. To be in Hollywood is not to be in heaven. "Yes, we won the Oscar, but it doesn't make you a millionaire. Unfortunately, our country is not like America. Let's make the situation better. Let's recognise each other while we are still alive. Let's change rules, let's change the game," he ended.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Why 'Tsotsi' actor Presley Chweneyagae death dey shake South Africa
South Africa award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae don die for age 40, according to statement wey MLA release. Chweneyagae na ogbonge actor wey dey known for im movie role for 'Totsi', wey later win Oscar award. Im rise to stardom popular for South Africa sake of im acting skills for movie series wey include 'The River', Zama Zama and odas. Na Tuesday 27 May tori bin come say di ogbonge actor don die and im death don shake up di entertainment industry for South Africa. "Na wit profound sadness we confam di untimely passing of one of South Africa most gifted and beloved actors, Pres Chweneyagae, for di age of 40," Nina Morris Lee, CEO of MLA tok for dia statement. MLA wey be popular talent management company describe Chweneyagae as a 'gifted writer and director.' "Presley na longtime and cherished member of di MLA family, more dan a client, im be friend, a mentor to many, a beacon of creativity and perseverance." MLA tok for dia statement say Chweneyagae passion to empower di next generation of artists go remain an integral part of im legacy. Wetin cause Presley Chweneyagae death E neva clear wetin cause di death of Chweneyagae but many pipo for South Africa don dey send dia tributes to celebrate di ogbonge actor. Meanwhile for 2021, Chweneyagae tok for one show say im go like go behind di scenes, away from acting. "Once I turn forty years old, I go like to look at oda means of making money. I no go retire but I go dey behind di scenes," e tok for di interview wit Cassper on di Braai show. Who be Presley Chweneyagae Chweneyagae na ogbonge South African actor and filmmaker wey dem born for Mafikeng, di capital city of di North West province of South Africa, for October 19, 1984. E enta limelight sake of im acting abilities wey e display for di film Tsotsi, wey win di Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for 2005. Im journey begin for age of 10 wen e bin join drama classes for di North West Arts Council (now di Mmabana Arts, Culture and Spo Foundation). For di fourth Royalty Soapie Awards for 2020, Chweneyagae win di award for outstanding lead actor. Meanwhile for 2006, im gangster role for di movie Tsotsi, earn am di Golden Horn Award. Movie characters wey e don act include Thuso for "Cobra", Mokoena for 'The River' and plenti odas wey totori South Africans. For March 2019, Chweneyagae win best actor award for 'The River' Telenovela during di 13th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) for di Sun City Superbowl for Rustenburg, South Africa.
