It is with deep sorrow and a sense of loss that the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, extends his condolences on the passing of actor Presley Chweneyagae – a son of the soil, a true talent, and one of South Africa’s most powerful creative voices.
Presley was born on 19 October 1984 in Mafikeng, North West. At the young age of ten, he walked into the North West Arts Council, now known as the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation, with nothing but passion and purpose. That little boy grew to become a giant in the South African creative landscape. He was a storyteller who carried the weight of our struggles, joys and history with raw honesty and pride.
Presley is best known to audiences for his role as ‘Cobra’ in the popular River Telenovela and its recent spinoff, Cobrizzi. His unforgettable role in Tsotsi not only helped to earn the film an Oscar but reminded the world of the richness of South African storytelling. His role won the hearts of a nation. It reminded the world that powerful stories come from dusty streets, from townships and the hearts of ordinary people with extraordinary dreams.
Presley didn’t just act; he made us feel, he made us think and, more importantly, he made us believe.
He shone on stage and screen in productions such as Dikeledi, Relativity, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Kalushi. As a playwright, director and activist, he used his craft to spark conversations that many were afraid to have.
“Presley was proof that where you start in life doesn’t have to be where you finish. He was a living reminder that dreams from kasi streets are just as valid as dreams from polished boardrooms,” said Minister McKenzie. “He showed us that your beginnings don’t define your end, your courage does.”
Through CELL NO 4, Presley continued to hold up a mirror to society, sparking dialogue and awakening consciousness. It employed humour and street-smart language to humanise the experience of those affected by HIV/AIDS, while subtly cautioning against criminal behaviour. Set in the confines of a prison, the narrative offered a compelling reflection on life, choices, and consequences.
His legacy will remain etched in the hearts of the youth who look to the stage and screen with hope because of the path he paved.
Added the Minister: “The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture mourns the loss of a true trailblazer – a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft. We salute his contribution and commit to ensuring his impact is never forgotten.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones, friends, colleagues and the countless fans who saw themselves reflected in his work. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Enquiries:
Ms. Stacey-Lee Khojane,
Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
E-mail: StaceyK@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 77 608 7579
Ms. Zimasa Velaphi,
Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
E-mail: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 (0) 72 172 8925
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