RIP Presley Chweneyagae: South Africans Mourn ‘The River’ Actor’s Untimely Death: “He Was a Legend”
South Africa Mourns the Loss of Acclaimed Actor Presley Chweneyagae (1985-2025)
The South African entertainment industry is grieving the sudden passing of veteran actor Presley Chweneyagae, who died on May 27, 2025, at age 40. His management team MLA confirmed the news in an official statement, calling it “a profound loss for South African arts and culture.”
A Legacy of Groundbreaking Roles
Chweneyagae first captivated audiences with his powerful lead performance in the 2005 Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, which put South African cinema on the global stage. His career spanned two decades with notable roles in:
- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)
- The award-winning telenovela The River as Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena
- Its spin-off series Cobrizi
Complex Career Amid Controversies
While celebrated for his craft, Chweneyagae’s career faced challenges:
- A 2023 appearance on Papgeld regarding R58,000 in child support payments
- An SIU investigation into R15 million allegedly laundered through his foundation
Despite these, fans emphasized his artistic contributions over personal struggles.
National Outpouring of Grief
Social media flooded with tributes:
- “He brought raw authenticity to every role. A true loss for African storytelling.” – @biphakathi
- “From Tsotsi to Cobra – his talent was unmatched. Rest well, legend.” – @IChristable
- “Another creative gone too soon. When will our artists get proper support?” – @WiseInsightSA
Industry Reflections
The tragedy has reignited conversations about:
- Mental health support for entertainers
- Fair compensation in the arts
- The pressures of fame in South Africa’s entertainment landscape
Chweneyagae’s passing follows other recent losses in SA arts, including Jamie Bartlett (2022), prompting calls for better safeguards for performers.
Memorial arrangements will be announced by the family. Source: Briefly News