Presley Chweneyagae

Presley Chweneyagae (October 19, 1984 — May 27, 2025) was a prominent South African actor celebrated for his pivotal role in the acclaimed 2005 film Tsotsi. Chweneyagae's journey into acting began at the tender age of 10, when he started taking acting classes. His breakthrough came when he landed the lead role of David, or Tsotsi, in Gavin Hood’s powerful crime drama, which is set in a Johannesburg township. The film tells the story of a young hoodlum whose life takes a transformative turn after discovering a baby in the stolen car he drives.

Tsotsi received widespread critical acclaim, with many highlighting Chweneyagae’s compelling performance. The film was nominated for a Golden Globe and won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, marking a historic moment as the first South African film to secure an Oscar. This success established Chweneyagae as one of South Africa's leading actors.

In addition to his film work, Chweneyagae gained popularity on television, particularly for his role as Thuso 'Cobra' Mokoena in the hit telenovela The River (2018–2024). His portrayal of the charming yet devious character resonated with audiences, leading to a spin-off series and earning him a South African Film and Television Award in 2019. Chweneyagae was also an accomplished theater artist, co-writing and directing acclaimed productions. He passed away from natural causes on May 27, 2025, at the age of 40, leaving behind a rich legacy in the arts.