BREAKING: Tsotsi actor Award-winning Presley Chweneyagae dies

Renowned actor, Presley Chweneyagae has died.

Close friends to the actor have confirmed his passing in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

He was 40 years old.

Chweneyagae rose to fame after his feature in the Oscar-winning South African film “Tsotsi”.

The role also earned him his first Golden Horn at the first SAFTAs (South African Film and Television Awards) in 2006.

He also starred in a local soapie, The River, as Cobra, as well as a spin-off show based on the same character.

Talent Management Agency MLA issued a statement confirming Chweneyagae’s death on its social media sites.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Presley Chweneyagae – actor, storyteller, father, and proud son of South Africa.

From his Oscar-winning role in Tsotsi to his more recent work in The River, Presley dedicated his life to his love of storytelling. He leaves behind his wife, their three sons and a legacy that will live for generations to come. Thank you for your light, you will always be part of our MLA family.”

Below is the full statement from MLA.

Tribute to a South African Icon: Presley Chweneyagae (1984-2025)

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.

Born on October 19, 1984, in Mafikeng, North West Province, Presley was destined for the stage and screen. His artistic journey began at the age of 10 when he joined drama classes at the North West Arts Council (now The Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation), setting him on a lifelong path of storytelling, expression, and excellence.

He rose to international fame with his unforgettable performance in Tsotsi (2005), a role that helped bring home South Africa’s first-ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Presley’s performance resonated with audiences across the globe, cementing his place as a powerful and authentic voice in African cinema.

Presley’s career spanned theatre, television, and film, with standout performances in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) and the award-winning television series The River (2018). On stage, his presence was commanding and transformative, with roles in:

Hamlet in Hamlet • Mark Antony in Julius Caesar • Bottom and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream • Orestes in Dikeledi (an adaptation of Electra) • Relativity, Urban Reality, Jack in the Box, The Grandball, Silent Voice, Kalushi, Cards, Beautiful Things, and more

He was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom — later published by STE Publishers and directing the award-winning production CELL NO 4.

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.

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.

Details regarding memorial services will be shared in due course.

Rest in power, Presley. You will never be forgotten.