South Africa is mourning the loss of one of its most gifted sons, Presley Chweneyagae, who has passed away at the age of 40. A towering presence in film, theatre and television, he leaves behind a legacy as profound as the characters he brought to life.
Born on 19 October 1984 in Mafikeng, Presley’s journey into the arts began at the early age of 10. He rose to global prominence with his unforgettable portrayal of Tsotsi (2005) a role that helped bring South Africa’s first Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His raw, riveting performance didn’t just capture the world’s attention it introduced a new era of African cinema.
But his impact reached far beyond one role. Presley earned local acclaim in the award-winning DStv telenovela The River, where he played the beloved and complex character Cobra which earned him a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Actor in a Telenovela. He recently became the Executive Producer for the show’s spin-off Cobrizi on Mzansi Magic, solidifying his standing as one of the most prolific figures in Mzansi entertainment.
Presley also made his mark in theatre, starring in classics like Hamlet, Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, while also co-authoring the acclaimed play Relativity. He later directed the award-winning production Cell No. 4, proving his versatility as a storyteller.
“Through characters like Cobra on The River, and most recently on Mzansi Magic’s Cobrizi, he didn’t just entertain — he made us laugh, made us care, and helped us understand the people behind the stories. His work brought heart and humanity to every role,” says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice. “He was part of some of DStv’s most loved productions and his performances will continue to resonate. We will miss him dearly.”
Phathu Makwarela the Writer, Executive Producer and Co-Owner of Tshedza Pictures has also expressed his sadness at this loss saying: “Presley was one of a generation. He was the epitome of God given talent. Tshedza Pictures is blessed to have worked with him for close to 9 years on The River and its spin-off Cobrizi. Today the world is a much sadder place today by the loss of this talent.”
His talent management agency, MLSA, remembered him with these heartfelt words: “He was more than just a client, he was a friend, a mentor, a beacon of creativity and perseverance.”
To those who knew him, Presley wasn’t just an actor, he was a cultural force and a true definition of NO DNA, JUST RSA!
Cobrizi, Mokwepa… A South African icon. A storyteller who made the nation and the world feel something real! You can still enjoy his fun and laughter-filled artistry on Cobrizi, airing on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), Sundays at 20:00.
