South Africa is in mourning following the sudden passing of Presley Chweneyagae, the celebrated actor best known for his lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi. He died on Monday, 27 May 2025, at the age of 40, due to natural causes linked to sudden respiratory complications, according to family reports.
Born in Mahikeng, Chweneyagae shot to global fame in 2006 when Tsotsi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Over the years, he earned respect for his powerful performances in The River, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and stage productions that reflected South African realities.
News of his passing sent shockwaves across the nation. In a moving tribute, one of his friends wrote: “I feel a sickening emptiness. How is Presley gone?”
The first memorial service was held on 3 June 2025 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng, followed by a second planned for 5 June at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria. His funeral will take place on Saturday, 7 June at Akasia Community Hall, with burial at Zandfontein Cemetery.
Freedom Park in Pretoria also hosted a special cultural tribute. Among the artists present was the creator of Cracked Glass, who described Presley as “a mirror to the South African soul.”
Chweneyagae is survived by his wife and children. Tributes from across the arts, government, and the public continue to pour in, underscoring his lasting impact on South African cinema and storytelling.
