Presley Chweneyagae, the celebrated South African actor renowned for his leading role in the 2005 movie Tsotsi—which earned South Africa its first-ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film—has died at the age of 40. His passing was confirmed Tuesday by his talent agency, MLA, which described the loss as that of one of South Africa’s “most gifted and beloved actors.”
Chweneyagae’s three-decade career spanned theater, television, and film, earning him acclaim as a versatile artist. His breakthrough performance in Tsotsi, adapted from the 1961 novel by South African playwright Athol Fugard and directed by Gavin Hood, propelled him to international fame and remains a defining moment in his career.
Beyond acting, Chweneyagae was also a talented writer and director, co-creating the internationally praised stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists was highlighted by MLA Chief Executive Nina Morris Lee, who said, “His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain integral to his legacy.”
The South African government paid heartfelt tribute to Chweneyagae, praising his “outstanding contribution to the film, television and theater fraternity.” A statement on the official X account read, “The nation mourns the loss of a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts. Your legacy will live on through the powerful stories you told.”
The South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) echoed these sentiments, calling Chweneyagae a “true legend of South African cinema” and remembering him as “a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts.” Their tribute can be viewed at Movie Reviews.
Fikile Mbalula, Secretary General of the ANC—the dominant political party in South Africa for over 30 years—also expressed condolences, describing Chweneyagae as a “giant of South African film and theatre.” Mbalula noted that “his legacy in Tsotsi, The River, and beyond will live on,” offering sympathies to his family, friends, and all touched by his brilliance.
Presley Chweneyagae’s death marks the loss of a towering figure in South African movie history, whose artistic contributions transcended borders and inspired countless audiences worldwide.
