Additional Coverage:
- South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, star of Oscar-winning film ‘Tsotsi,’ dies at 40 (latimes.com)
Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed South African actor best known for his powerful performance in the Oscar-winning film “Tsotsi,” has died at the age of 40. His talent agency, MLA, confirmed his passing on Tuesday, remembering him as one of South Africa’s “most gifted and beloved actors.” The cause of death was not disclosed.
Chweneyagae’s career spanned three decades and encompassed film, television, and theater. His breakout role in “Tsotsi,” directed by Gavin Hood, propelled him to international recognition and helped secure South Africa’s first Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Based on the novel by Athol Fugard, the film showcased Chweneyagae’s remarkable talent.
Beyond acting, Chweneyagae was a skilled writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed play “Relativity.” Tributes have poured in from across South Africa, including from the government, which lauded his contribution to the arts. The South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) hailed him as a “true legend,” while prominent political figures like ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula also expressed their condolences, recognizing Chweneyagae’s enduring legacy in works like “Tsotsi” and “The River.”