Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed South African actor best known for his breakout role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, has passed away at the age of 40. His passing was confirmed by the Moonyeenn Lee & Associates (MLASA) artist agency, which represented the actor throughout his career.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa’s most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae, at the age of 40,” the agency stated on its official website.
At the time of the announcement, neither the cause nor the date of Chweneyagae’s death had been disclosed. However, the news sent ripples through South Africa’s entertainment industry and beyond, with tributes pouring in from fans, colleagues, and government officials alike.
Presley Chweneyagae became a household name both locally and internationally in 2006 when Tsotsi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The 2005 drama, set in the gritty underworld of Johannesburg’s sprawling Soweto township, told the powerful story of a young gangster’s path to redemption. Chweneyagae delivered a hauntingly nuanced performance as the titular character—a “tsotsi” (a slang term for thug)—who unknowingly hijacks a car with an infant in the backseat and is forced to confront his own humanity.
The film was adapted from a novel by renowned South African playwright Athol Fugard, who himself passed away in March 2025 at the age of 92. Tsotsi became a cultural milestone, not only for its Academy Award win but for its ability to capture the social realities and inner struggles of post-apartheid South Africa.
Speaking in 2006 after the Oscar win, Presley Chweneyagae emphasized the universal themes of the film.
“It’s a story about hope, it’s a story about forgiveness, and it also deals with the issues that we are facing as South Africans: AIDS, poverty and crime,” he said.
“But at the same time, it could take place anywhere in the world.”
Chweneyagae’s performance in Tsotsi earned him critical acclaim and positioned him as one of the most promising talents in African cinema. According to MLASA, he was “a powerful and authentic voice in African cinema,” with a career that successfully spanned theatre, film, and television.
Presley Chweneyagae remembered for his role in ‘Tsotsi’ and lasting impact on African cinema
Born in 1984 in Mafikeng, a town in South Africa’s North West Province, Chweneyagae discovered his passion for the performing arts at the young age of 10, when he joined local drama classes. This early start laid the foundation for a career that would see him rise from local stages to international film festivals and red carpets.
Though Tsotsi was his most iconic role, Presley Chweneyagae continued to build an impressive portfolio across different mediums. He played a supporting role in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), the critically acclaimed biopic starring Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela. In television, he captivated audiences with his portrayal of Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena in the hit South African drama The River (2018), a role he reprised in the spin-off series Cobrizi. His television work further cemented his place as a versatile and beloved actor.
In addition to acting, Chweneyagae was a passionate storyteller who believed in using art as a vehicle for social change. He was involved in several theatre productions, and co-wrote and directed projects that aimed to uplift youth and spotlight issues affecting South African communities.
As tributes continue to pour in, many in the entertainment industry have spoken of Chweneyagae’s warmth, humility, and unwavering dedication to his craft. Fellow Tsotsi co-star Terry Pheto described him as “an exceptional talent and a kind soul,” and expressed her deep sorrow at the loss of someone with whom she shared the stage of global recognition.
Government officials also weighed in, with Gauteng MEC for Arts and Culture Matome Chiloane calling Chweneyagae’s death “a tragic loss for the creative industry and for South Africa as a whole.”
Presley Chweneyagae is survived by his wife and children. Funeral and memorial details are expected to be announced in the coming days.
His legacy lives on in the roles he brought to life and the hearts of those who were moved by his storytelling. Presley Chweneyagae will be remembered not only as a brilliant actor but as a beacon of South African cinema whose impact transcended borders.
