07-06-2025
‘That man raised me' – The River cast breaks down at Presley's memorial
Imitations of his clownery filled the room, every now and again.
Emulations of his laughter from those who could remember it vividly lit the room.
And even then, the sudden passing of Presley Chweneyagae, widely celebrated for his roles in Tsotsi and most recently, The River was something many couldn't fathom.
'Cobrizi wa le Eazy', 'Tobetsa', 'Mokwepa', and 'Charlie' were some of the names he was referred to as the speakers at his memorial service reminisced on the memories they shared with him.
Colleagues in the arts fraternity, friends, and family gathered at the South African State Theatre to honour the life of Presley, who took his last breath at the age of 40 at his home in Pretoria on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.
Upon hearing the tragic news, many were concerned about those who've had their lives impacted by the Oscar-winning actor.
One such is Thabiso Ramotshela, who got his breakout role on The River as the son of Cobrizi - Morena.
Fighting to hold back his tears, he proudly says, 'I played Presley Chweneyagae's son on The River, Yes, I did that.'
Read more | 'He was very humble' - Presley Chweneyagae celebrated for his humility
'I miss him so much. I remember when I got the call [about his death], it was so hard for the person to tell me. I felt like it was so unfair. It hurts so much because, as much as he was not my father, he was my dad. That man raised me, he carried me. When things got hard on set, on Youngings or Blood Legacy, he'd call me and make sure that I'm okay.'
Even after their on-screen father-and-son relationship ended on The River when the telenovela was canned in 2024, the two maintained an undeniably strong bond.
Whenever Thabiso needed him the most, Presley showed up for him as his father figure in the industry.
He mentored him, molded him, helped him shape his craft, and boosted his confidence in front of the camera.
'When I look at Sis' Matshepo (Dimpho, Cobrizi's sister on The River) in the eyes today, after not seeing her for such a long time. I wish we could have two or three more seasons together.'
Reaching out to his prepared tribute to the legendary actor, he sniffs to read it out.
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'A leader has fallen. We're all gathered here to celebrate the life of a leader. I worked with Papa for about four to five years, from the age of 16. To tell the truth, the thought of me not being able to see him ever again or appear on my TV screen, or call me, or even bump into him at random places, my heart sinks. Death is so cruel. The sad thing about death is that it's so unpredictable. He was so full of life. Every time I see your name on the script, I used to laugh because I knew it was going to be a good day. As much as a legend has fallen, a legend was born – one that brought an Oscar award to South Africa, one that made me continue acting. The reason why I'm so hard on myself in my work is that all I ever wanted was his approval. And to hear from other people after you've died that you admired me, loved me, watched me, scrutinised every move I make,' he catches his breath.
'I love you so much, I miss you so much. Until we see each other again.'
Following the heartfelt tribute, Matshepo Sekgopi who played Dimpho, Cobrizi's sister, started her tribute with a bible scripture.
Read more | Tributes and condolences pour in for Presley Chweneyagae following his passing
'I have had the privilege of being part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create the body of art that had me work hand-in-hand with Africa's greatest talent, Presley being one of them. And I had no idea what the universe had in mind when I was selected to be part of a cast and phenomenal crew on The River.'
As the theatre would agree in nod and murmurs, she adds that the seven years spent on the telenovela acting alongside Presley gave her the memories that would last a lifetime, what she calls 'an imprint never to be forgotten'.
'Presley, thank you for your magic. He knew his people, he was selfless in nature, he served wholeheartedly, he knew his tribe, and I think destiny found him, and he was obedient. He made me very upset, but I couldn't be mad at him for long. I truly am blessed to be welcomed by him as a sister,' she concludes as she thanked Presley's wife and mother, encouraging his kids in the process.
