Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed South African actor best known for his breakout role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, has tragically passed away at the age of 40. The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Tuesday by his talent agency, MLA, which paid tribute to the late star’s extraordinary contribution to the arts.
Chweneyagae rose to global fame in 2005 for his powerful performance in Tsotsi, a gritty crime drama that marked a historic moment for South African cinema by earning the country’s first-ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film, directed by Gavin Hood and based on Athol Fugard’s 1961 novel, became a cultural touchstone and launched Chweneyagae into international stardom.
MLA CEO Nina Morris Lee remembered the actor as a passionate and influential force in the entertainment world. “Presley was not only a phenomenal performer but also a mentor and inspiration to many emerging artists. His impact will live on through the generations he helped uplift,” she said in a statement. No further details about the cause of his death have been released.
Over a career that spanned more than 30 years, Chweneyagae left his mark across theatre stages, television screens, and film sets. His legacy is not only defined by his awards and accolades but also by his unwavering dedication to storytelling and empowering young talent in South Africa’s creative industry.
Fans, colleagues, and fellow artists have taken to social media to mourn the loss of a true icon whose light was extinguished far too soon.
