Presley Lesego Chweneyagae (19 October 1984 – 27 May 2025) was a celebrated South African actor, renowned for his compelling performances in film, television, and theatre. He gained international acclaim for his lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi and was a prominent figure in South African entertainment for over two decades.
Early Life and Education
Born in Mahikeng, North West Province, Presley was named after his mother’s favorite singer, Elvis Presley. His mother, Agnes Keagile, a police officer, recognized his passion for acting early on and enrolled him in drama classes at the Mmabana Arts Foundation. He honed his craft through performances in various stage productions, including Shakespearean plays like Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Breakthrough with Tsotsi
Presley’s breakout role came in 2005 when he starred as the titular character in Tsotsi, directed by Gavin Hood. The film, based on Athol Fugard’s novel, tells the story of a young gang leader’s transformation after he inadvertently kidnaps a baby. Tsotsi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006, marking South Africa’s first Oscar win in that category.
Television and Film Career
Following Tsotsi, Presley appeared in several notable films, including:
- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)
- More Than Just a Game
- State of Violence
- Africa United
On television, he was widely recognized for his role as Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena in the telenovela The River, a performance that earned him two South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in 2019 and 2024. In 2025, he reprised this role in the spin-off series Cobrizi, which delved deeper into his character’s journey.
Theatre and Writing
Beyond screen acting, Presley was deeply involved in theatre. He co-wrote the acclaimed stage play Relativity with playwright Paul Grootboom, exploring themes of identity and social dynamics. He also directed the award-winning play Cell No. 4, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the performing arts.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Presley received numerous accolades:
- Black Movie Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Tsotsi, 2006)
- Two SAFTAs for Best Supporting Actor (The River, 2019 and 2024)
His contributions significantly elevated South African cinema and inspired many aspiring actors.
Personal Life
Presley was married to a woman from Swaziland, and together they had three sons: Preston, Siya, and a third whose name is not publicly known. He was known for his dedication to family and often spoke about the importance of balancing his professional and personal life.
Philanthropy
Committed to giving back, Presley founded the Presley Chweneyagae Foundation, aiming to uplift underprivileged communities in South Africa through the performing arts. The foundation conducts workshops and street performances to inspire and educate youth in rural areas.
Legal Matters
In 2023, Presley was implicated in a National Lottery scandal involving misappropriated funds intended for community development projects. He was associated with the Southern African Youth Movement, which received substantial funding for a chicken farming initiative that faced scrutiny.
Passing and Legacy
Presley Chweneyagae passed away on 27 May 2025 in Johannesburg at the age of 40 due to respiratory complications. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the South African government, entertainment industry, and fans worldwide, all honoring his profound impact on storytelling and national