THE sad news of the passing away of renowned actor Presley Oageng Chweneyagae, continues to hog headlines.
This was confirmed by his distraught uncle Mokwadi Keagile, on a voice note this morning.
Chweneyagae rose to fame after his feature in the Oscar-winning South African film “Tsotsi” in 2005.
He also himself his first Golden Horn at the first SAFTAs (South African Film and Television Awards) in 2006.
The Mahikeng born was also known for his award-winning performance as Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena in daily drama The River, or “Cobrizi”.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa’s most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae, at the age of 40,” read the statement from his manager Nina Morris Lee.
“Born on October 19 1984 in Mahikeng, North West, Presley was destined for the stage and screen. His artistic journey began at the age of 10 when he joined drama classes at the North West Arts Council (now The Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation), setting him on a lifelong path of storytelling, expression and excellence.
“He rose to international fame with his unforgettable performance in Tsotsi (2005), a role that helped bring home South Africa’s first ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Presley’s performance resonated with audiences across the globe, cementing his place as a powerful and authentic voice in African cinema”.
“Presley’s career spanned theatre, television and film, with standout performances in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) and the award-winning television series The River (2018). On stage, his presence was commanding and transformative, with roles in Hamlet, Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, Bottom and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Orestes in Dikeledi (an adaptation of Electra), Relativity, Urban Reality, Jack in the Box, The Grandball, Silent Voice, Kalushi, Cards, Beautiful Things and more
“He was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom — later published by STE Publishers, and directing the award-winning production CELL NO 4.
“Presley was a longtime and cherished member of the MLA family — more than a client, he was a friend, a mentor to many, a beacon of creativity and perseverance. His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain an integral part of his legacy.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, extended family, colleagues and all who knew and loved him,” read the statement.
I came to cross paths with Presley in Mahikeng some moons ago, during a media awareness drive conducted by the then North West Parks & Tourism, under the tutelage of ntate Charles Vuyisile Ndabeni.
He came across as an ambitious, smart and open yet disciplined guy, especially when interacting with members of the fourth estate, something today’s actors should have learnt from him.
Yes, you may say acting was boiling in his belly, as he narrated where he originated from and his future plans at that young age. ‘We ate from the palm of his hands’, if I may.
From then onwards, we continued to engage in Jozi, after their return from abroad upon landing the historical Oscar award in ‘Tsotsi’ alongside Terry Pheto and crew.
Bokone Bophirima should continue to celebrate his legacy, especially within the arts sector, of which he was passionate about.
Service and funeral details will be shared later.
Robalang ka ntho madi a tshologe boChweneyagae! Re latlhegetswe rotlhle!
Image supplied (The smile is no more. Renowned actor Presley Chweneyagae’s death has left a void that will be hard to fill within the arts sector).
