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The South African film and television industry is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars, Presley Chweneyagae, whose funeral will be held on 7 June in Pretoria. Chweneyagae, known internationally for his powerful performances and magnetic screen presence, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 40. According to his family, he died of natural causes.In celebration of his life and legacy, two memorial services are scheduled to take place before the funeral. The first will be held on 3 June in Mahikeng, his hometown, and the second on 5 June in Gauteng, where many of his industry peers are expected to pay tribute. These services aim to honor the profound impact that Chweneyagae had not only in entertainment but also in the broader cultural landscape of South Africa.Presley Chweneyagae rose to fame for his groundbreaking role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi (2005), where he portrayed the troubled yet redeemable young protagonist. The film brought global attention to South African cinema, and Chweneyagae’s performance was praised for its raw emotion and depth. Over the years, he built a reputation as a versatile and fearless actor, consistently choosing roles that challenged both himself and audiences.One of his co-stars, Tshepo Maseko, who worked alongside Chweneyagae in the 2007 film More Than Just a Game, fondly recalled his dynamic personality and on-set energy.“Presley was very playful, nonstop until they say, ‘stand by for a shoot.’ So it was very easy to lose your focus when you played alongside him if you, yourself, were not a professional,” Maseko shared. “He was quite a naughty actor who liked to steal the limelight from fellow actors. But what a fun actor he was, what a fun performer, what a fine young man who was not scared to try new things.”Maseko’s tribute echoes the sentiments of many in the industry who saw Chweneyagae as more than just a colleague — he was a brother, a mentor, and a friend to many young talents looking to break into the industry.Chweneyagae’s Legacy in South African ArtsChweneyagae’s impact goes far beyond his filmography. He was a passionate advocate for storytelling that reflects South African realities, often taking on roles that explored the complexities of township life, identity, and redemption. His performances were not just acts — they were reflections of lived experiences, something that deeply resonated with audiences across the country.Throughout his career, he received multiple awards and nominations, but perhaps his greatest achievement was his ability to connect with people. Fans often described him as approachable, grounded, and deeply committed to his craft. Despite his international success, Chweneyagae remained dedicated to uplifting South African stories and mentoring aspiring actors.The upcoming memorial services in Mahikeng and Gauteng are expected to draw a large turnout, including members of the arts community, politicians, and fans. The events will include performances, speeches, and video tributes showcasing Chweneyagae’s most memorable roles and personal moments from his life. His family has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences they have received and invites the public to join them in remembering Presley.Social media has also been flooded with tributes using the hashtag #Chweneyagae, with fans sharing their favorite film scenes, interviews, and personal stories of meeting the actor.The final funeral service will take place on 7 June in Pretoria, marking a formal farewell to one of South Africa’s most treasured talents. While the location of the service has not yet been disclosed to the public, the family is expected to release more details in the coming days.Presley Chweneyagae leaves behind a powerful legacy — one marked by creativity, courage, and compassion. As the country prepares to say goodbye, his body of work will continue to inspire generations of actors and storytellers to come.Source – EWN
The South African film and television industry is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars, Presley Chweneyagae, whose funeral will be held on 7 June in Pretoria. Chweneyagae, known internationally for his powerful performances and magnetic screen presence, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 40. According to his family, he died of natural causes.
In celebration of his life and legacy, two memorial services are scheduled to take place before the funeral. The first will be held on 3 June in Mahikeng, his hometown, and the second on 5 June in Gauteng, where many of his industry peers are expected to pay tribute. These services aim to honor the profound impact that Chweneyagae had not only in entertainment but also in the broader cultural landscape of South Africa.
Presley Chweneyagae rose to fame for his groundbreaking role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi (2005), where he portrayed the troubled yet redeemable young protagonist. The film brought global attention to South African cinema, and Chweneyagae’s performance was praised for its raw emotion and depth. Over the years, he built a reputation as a versatile and fearless actor, consistently choosing roles that challenged both himself and audiences.
One of his co-stars, Tshepo Maseko, who worked alongside Chweneyagae in the 2007 film More Than Just a Game, fondly recalled his dynamic personality and on-set energy.
“Presley was very playful, nonstop until they say, ‘stand by for a shoot.’ So it was very easy to lose your focus when you played alongside him if you, yourself, were not a professional,” Maseko shared. “He was quite a naughty actor who liked to steal the limelight from fellow actors. But what a fun actor he was, what a fun performer, what a fine young man who was not scared to try new things.”
Maseko’s tribute echoes the sentiments of many in the industry who saw Chweneyagae as more than just a colleague — he was a brother, a mentor, and a friend to many young talents looking to break into the industry.
Chweneyagae’s Legacy in South African Arts
Chweneyagae’s impact goes far beyond his filmography. He was a passionate advocate for storytelling that reflects South African realities, often taking on roles that explored the complexities of township life, identity, and redemption. His performances were not just acts — they were reflections of lived experiences, something that deeply resonated with audiences across the country.
Throughout his career, he received multiple awards and nominations, but perhaps his greatest achievement was his ability to connect with people. Fans often described him as approachable, grounded, and deeply committed to his craft. Despite his international success, Chweneyagae remained dedicated to uplifting South African stories and mentoring aspiring actors.
The upcoming memorial services in Mahikeng and Gauteng are expected to draw a large turnout, including members of the arts community, politicians, and fans. The events will include performances, speeches, and video tributes showcasing Chweneyagae’s most memorable roles and personal moments from his life. His family has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences they have received and invites the public to join them in remembering Presley.
Social media has also been flooded with tributes using the hashtag #Chweneyagae, with fans sharing their favorite film scenes, interviews, and personal stories of meeting the actor.
The final funeral service will take place on 7 June in Pretoria, marking a formal farewell to one of South Africa’s most treasured talents. While the location of the service has not yet been disclosed to the public, the family is expected to release more details in the coming days.
Presley Chweneyagae leaves behind a powerful legacy — one marked by creativity, courage, and compassion. As the country prepares to say goodbye, his body of work will continue to inspire generations of actors and storytellers to come.
