JOHANNESBURG – South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, known for his lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, has died at the age of 40.
His management agency, MLA, confirmed his passing on Tuesday morning. No official cause of death has been made public yet, and details of memorial services are expected to be announced soon.
Chweneyagae, born in Mafikeng in 1984, had a career spanning theatre, film, and television. He captured global attention in 2005 when he starred in Tsotsi, a role that helped the film win South Africa’s first Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He later appeared in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and played a major role in the popular television series The River.
Starting his acting journey at the age of 10 with the North West Arts Council, now Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation, Chweneyagae developed into a seasoned performer. He was also active on the stage, with performances in Shakespearean plays such as Hamlet and Julius Caesar.
His management described him as more than a client, calling him a friend, mentor, and a creative force who inspired young artists across the continent. Messages of condolence and tributes have poured in on social media, reflecting his influence beyond South African borders, including among artists and fans in Eswatini.
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