South Africa is mourning the loss of one of its most talented actors. Presley Chweneyagae, known and loved for his powerful performances on stage and screen, has passed away at the age of 40.
RIP:
Statement from Moonyeenn Lee Associates (MLA), the talent agency that represented Presley Chweneyagae. #RIPPresleyChweneyagae pic.twitter.com/QxPYPXEEmm
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) May 27, 2025According to News24, the heartbreaking news was confirmed by his management agency, MLA, in a statement released on behalf of his family. “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 statement read.
Chweneyagae was best known for playing the character Cobra on the hit TV show The River on 1Magic. Most recently, he starred in Cobrizzi, a Mzansi Magic spin-off of The River.
His death has come as a shock to fans and the entertainment industry. Presley’s career began at a young age, having joined drama classes when he was just 10 years old. He was born on 19 October 1984 in Mahikeng, North West, and grew up dreaming of becoming an actor.
He rose to international fame in 2005 when he played the lead role in the film Tsotsi, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Oscars. His unforgettable performance in Tsotsi also earned him the Black Movie Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.
In film and television, his work was just as powerful. Besides Tsotsi and The River, he acted in other productions and even appeared in MTN adverts and exhibitions like The National Land Act Exhibition and Beautiful Things.
MLA described him not just as a talented actor but as someone who cared deeply about others in the industry. “Presley was a longtime and cherished member of the MLA family – more than a client, he was a friend, a mentor to many, a beacon of creativity and perseverance. His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain an integral part of his legacy,” the agency said.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, extended family, colleagues, and all who knew and loved him. While we grieve the immense loss of a remarkable talent, we celebrate the light he brought to the world.”
Chweneyagae also won two Golden Awards in his career — one for Best Actor in a Feature Film for Tsotsi, and another for Best Actor in a Telenovela for his role in The River.
Presley Chweneyagae’s life and career were a gift to South African arts and culture. He inspired many, and his legacy will continue through the stories he told and the lives he touched.
