South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, renowned for his leading role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, has tragically passed away at the age of 40, as confirmed by his agent on Tuesday.
Chweneyagae gained global recognition in 2006 for his performance in Tsotsi, a compelling drama set in the crime-infested streets of Soweto, which clinched the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
The MLASA artists’ agency expressed deep sorrow over the untimely demise of the talented actor, describing him as one of South Africa’s most cherished performers. However, no details were disclosed regarding the cause or exact date of his passing.
Known as a “powerful and authentic voice in African cinema,” Chweneyagae enjoyed a versatile career that encompassed stage, television, and film.
In Tsotsi, Chweneyagae portrayed a youthful gangster who experiences a moral transformation after hijacking a car and discovering a baby in the backseat. The impactful 2005 film was adapted from a novel by esteemed South African playwright Athol Fugard, who also passed away earlier this year at the age of 92.
Reflecting on the film’s significance following its Oscar triumph, Chweneyagae remarked, “It’s a story about hope, forgiveness, and addresses prevalent issues in South Africa such as AIDS, poverty, and crime. Nonetheless, it resonates universally and could be set in any part of the world.”
Born in 1984 in Mafikeng, North West Province, Chweneyagae commenced his acting journey at the tender age of 10. Apart from Tsotsi, he featured in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) and played a role in the highly-regarded South African TV series The River (2018).
Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and fans of the late Presley Chweneyagae as they mourn the loss of a talented actor who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
