South African Actor Presley Chweneyagae Dies at 40
South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, best known for his lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, has died at the age of 40. He passed away on 27 May 2025 in Johannesburg. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
A Celebrated Career
Born on 19 October 1984 in Mafikeng, North West Province, Chweneyagae rose to international fame with his portrayal of the titular character in Tsotsi (2005), a performance that contributed to the film’s Academy Award win for Best Foreign Language Film.
He continued to build a successful career in both film and television, with notable roles in productions such as More Than Just a Game, State of Violence, and the popular telenovela The River, where he played Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena. In March 2025, he reprised this role in the spin-off series Cobrizi.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Chweneyagae was married to Paulina Chweneyagae, and they had three children together. Beyond his acting career, he was committed to community development through the performing arts. He established a foundation aimed at uplifting disadvantaged communities in South Africa, particularly in rural areas, by providing access to the arts.
Controversies
In recent years, Chweneyagae faced legal and personal challenges. In 2023, he was implicated in a National Lotteries Commission scandal, where his foundation reportedly received R15 million intended for community upliftment projects. Additionally, he appeared on the television show Papgeld in 2023, where he was accused of failing to pay child support.
Legacy
Despite these controversies, Chweneyagae’s contributions to South African cinema and television remain significant. His performances resonated with audiences and brought international attention to South African storytelling.
Cause Of Death
As of now, no official cause of death has been publicly disclosed for South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, who passed away on May 27, 2025, at the age of 40 in Johannesburg. While his death has been confirmed, the circumstances surrounding it remain unclear. There have been no official statements from his family, management, or public authorities regarding the cause of death.
In the absence of official information, various speculations have emerged on social media platforms. However, these remain unverified and should be approached with caution.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.