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News24
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thabiso Ramotshela (@thabiso_ramz) '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.
The South African
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Celebrate the life of Presley Chweneyagae on DStv and Showmax
South Africa stands united in grief as it bids farewell to Presley Chweneyagae, a giant of the screen and stage, who passed away at the age of 40. This weekend, DStv and Showmax celebrate his life, legacy, and unforgettable artistry with a special line-up of his finest work. This includes the Oscar-winning Tsotsi and the grand finale of Cobrizi . Presley's journey began in Mafikeng, where he first stepped onto the stage at age ten. His star exploded onto the world scene in 2005 with Tsotsi, a film that would make history. 'Presley Chweneyagae's performance in Tsotsi remains one of the most iconic portrayals in African cinema,' said the National Film and Video Foundation. The film, based on Athol Fugard's novel, follows a young man's struggle for survival in Johannesburg's townships. It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, a first for South Africa. The award turned Presley into a household name, according to Showmax Stories. But Presley was never content with just one triumph, as he returned home, where he poured his heart into theatre, television, and film. Presley Chweneyagae dazzled in classics like Hamlet and Julius Caesar , co-authored the acclaimed play Relativity, and directed the award-winning Cell No. 4. Yet, it was his role as Cobra on The River that made him a fixture in South African living rooms. 'He was every mother's son, every girl's funny lover, and everyone's best friend,' said Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice. Presley's portrayal of Cobra was so beloved, it spawned the spin-off Cobrizi. The series, gritty and full of heart, saw Presley shine both in front of the camera and behind it as Executive Producer. 'He didn't just entertain—he made us laugh, made us care, and helped us understand the people behind the stories,' Philiso added. This weekend, fans can relive Presley's greatest moments. Tsotsi airs on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 9 pm on 6 June, and streams on Showmax and DStv Stream. It returns to Mzansi Magic on Saturday, 7 June at 8 pm, and to M-Net Movies 4 on 15 June at 8 pm. Mzansi Bioskop celebrates his legacy with Zama Zama (9 June), and State of Violence (10 June). iNumber Number (11 June), and Tsotsi again on 12 June will all air at 9pm. The Cobrizi finale airs Sunday, 8 June at 8 pm on Mzansi Magic. 'Presley was a friend, a mentor, a beacon of creativity and perseverance,' said his management agency, MLA. South Africa has lost a legend, but his stories and spirit will live on. Robala ka kagiso, Presley Chweneyagae. Your legacy is forever engraved in our hearts and screens. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Gavin Hood and industry peers celebrate Presley Chweneyagae's scene-stealing talent at heartfelt second memorial service
The life of Presley Chweneyagae was celebrated at The South African State Theatre on Thursday, June 5. Image: File. The second memorial service of actor Presley Chweneyagae took place at The South African State Theatre on Thursday, June 5. Chweneyagae recently died at the age of 40 from natural causes. His funeral is set to take place on Saturday, June 7, at Akasia Community Hall, Gauteng, from 8am. He will be laid to rest at Zandfontein Cemetery. The actor rose to fame through his unforgettable performances in the Academy Award-winning film, "Tsotsi", "iNumber Number: Jozi Gold" and the popular telenovela "The River", which ultimately led to a spin-off show, "Cobrizi". Actors Thato Molamu and Motshidi Motshegwa presided over the service. The ceremony was marked by heartfelt tributes from his co-stars and colleagues, all eager to pay homage to the talent and spirit of a man affectionately known as 'Cobrizi wa le Easy'. South African filmmaker Gavin Hood delivered a moving tribute, recalling the young actor's unique talent. "What an amazing celebration of an amazing man. When the late Moonyeenn Lee (casting director) suggested we audition Presley for 'Tsotsi', I confessed that I've never heard of him ... but she couldn't take her eyes off him. "He was only 19 and had never been in a film before. He possessed that rare quality that defines great acting. "And what is that quality? It is an ego-free instinct for raw emotional honesty ... He knew how to move through a scene ... He didn't show emotion, he allowed it to exist honestly, vulnerably in front of us." Hood continued to describe how Chweneyagae brought depth and honesty to the role of Tsotsi, stating: "He didn't act, he listened and allowed the story of the character he was telling to just be seen through him ... He gave Tsotsi a soul, he gave Tsotsi his soul. "The Oscar I was privileged to collect on behalf of 'Tsoti' was not awarded to me as the director, it was awarded to our film, to a collective effort, to everyone who involved themselves and gave themselves to that story. "And no one gave themselves more than Presley. He carried the heart of that film without ever trying to steal one frame, and witness him reveal the humanity of Tsotsi brought us all closer together." Fellow actor Terry Pheto shared her journey with Chweneyagae, expressing that he was instrumental in transforming her life and career. "Presley was part of my beginning and somehow the end of a full-circle moment in my career. We worked together on my very first film, 'Tsotsi', we were just kids back then, young, hungry and full of dreams, even we couldn't articulate, and yet, there he was, carrying the weight of that story with a quiet intensity that left everyone breathless. "His brilliance catapulted my career into unimaginable heights." Their collaboration on "Tsotsi" paved the way for Pheto's future successes: "I don't say that lightly, but being part of 'Tsotsi' opened doors that didn't know existed and almost two decades later, I had the honour of working with him again on 'iNumber Number: Jozi Gold', this time as a director trainee. "And, once again, he was he lead, still powerful, still generous and still utterly magnetic. Presley made history, he made us proud, and he made us laugh." Kenneth Nkosi echoed the sentiments of his peers: "A lot of people are jealous that they didn't work with that man (Chweneyagae). He was so easy to work with ... Shout out to Presely and Moonyeenn Lee." Israel Matseke Zulu, who also spoke at Chweneyagae's memorial on Tuesday, June 3, in Mahikeng, advocated for the celebration of actors' contributions while they are still alive, hoping to honour their legacies through festivals. "We don't have to wait for somebody to depart. I wish you could organise a festival like this for me before I depart. Rest in peace Chweneyagae," said Zulu. Reflecting on their encounters on the set of "iNumber Number: Jozi Gold", S'dumo Mtshali remembered Chweneyagae's influence on him. "The first time I met him, I met someone that I admired watching from 'Tsotsi', from seeing him on this stage (State Theatre), and to work with him is a masterclass of its own ... I always called him 'grootman' because he paved the way for me." He urged Chweneyagae's son to embrace his father's legacy and the responsibility that came with it, encouraging him to carry his family legacy. "One thing I want to say to you, young man, is yes, you lost a father, now you have to take up his shoes. Don't be bitter, don't be angry, don't be sad, but feel those emotions, it's all new now. "You have to carry this family. Help your mother, she needs you now. Presley gave us hell, but he always showed up, and I want you to show up ... I want you to hold that he was a good man. He paved the way for us and many other artists." Other speakers at the memorial included representatives from the Moonyeenn Lee Agency, the MultiChoice Group, actor Thabiso Ramotshela, who played Chweneyagae's son on "The River", and director Krijay Govender, who referred to Chweneyagae as a "thief" during her tribute. "Nobody stole a scene, absolutely nobody stole a scene the way Presley did," said Govender. Watch the full memorial service below.
The Herald
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
'He was more than what the cameras saw': touching moments from Presley Chweneyagae's memorial
Oros Mampofu's wife Bianca Carmichael, who was Presley's sister-in-law, delivered a moving tribute. 'I stand before you today with a heart full of sorrow, gratitude and respect. I speak on behalf of Presley's beloved wife and her entire Kirk family. Presley was not just a husband, a son-in-law or a brother-in-law — he was a force, a light. A presence so strong that you always knew when he entered the room. Not because he demanded attention but because he carried such quiet power, charm and grace. 'To the world, he was Presley Chweneyagae the actor, the artist, the man whose talent moved many nations from his unforgettable role in Tsotsi , to his role as the opulent Cobrizi. He gave voice to stories that needed to be told. 'But to us, he was more than what the cameras captured. He was a protector, a husband who loved deeply, a father who was gentle and proud, a brother-in-law who made us proud. 'It is hard to imagine a world without his laughter, his sharp wit or his comforting presence. But as we grieve, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind, not only in film and television but in the lives he touched, the hearts he warmed and the inspiration he sparked in the next generation of artists.'
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Presley Chweneyagae: ‘He was every mother's son, every girl's funny lover, and everyone's best friend'
Chweneyagae embodied God-given talent, said Phathutshedzo Makwarela, executive producer of The River and Cobrizi. DStv, the broadcaster which was home to late actor Presley Chweneyagae in recent years, has paid tribute to the beloved actor. 'He was every mother's son, every girl's funny lover, and everyone's best friend,' said CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, Nomsa Philiso. Chweneyagae passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 40. His talent agency and management team at Moonyeenn Lee Associates (MLA) confirmed his death. 'It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa's most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae,' the statement read. The cause of death is still unknown to the public. ALSO READ: 'The River' and 'Tsotsi' star Presley Chweneyagae dies at 40 A generational talent Philiso said Chweneyagae was a generational talent whose work helped shape Mzansi television. 'His characters felt like family,' she shared. 'Through characters like Cobra on The River, and most recently on Mzansi Magic's Cobrizi, he didn't just entertain — he made us laugh, made us care, and helped us understand the people behind the stories. His work brought heart and humanity to every role.' Chweneyagae's performances on The River made him more endearing to Mzansi as the hilarious older brother with an English twang. 'His legacy lives on in the stories he helped bring to life. He was part of some of DStv's most loved productions, and his performances will continue to resonate. We will miss him dearly,' Philiso said. ALSO READ: 'Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible' — industry mourns Chweneyagae A tribute to Chweneyagae Hours after the news of the actor's passing broke out, Showmax released a tribute to the actor on its app. Titled A Tribute To Presley Chweneyagae, Showmax has curated a collection of recent shows featuring the late actor, as aired on MultiChoice platforms. The tribute includes all six seasons of The River, the first season of the drama series iNumber Number and the feature film of the same name, which was released in 2014. Co-creator and executive producer of The River and Cobrizi, Phathutshedzo Makwarela of Tshedza Pictures, said Chweneyagae epitomised God-given talent. 'Presley was one of a generation. He was the epitome of God given talent. Tshedza Pictures is blessed to have worked with him for close to nine years on The River and its spin-off Cobrizi. Today, the world is a much sadder place today by the loss of this talent.' Tsotsi co-star Terry Pheto said she was shocked by Chweneyagae's passing. 'I'm shocked and saddened by the news of Presley's sudden passing. My heart goes out to his family and the rest of our friends and colleagues in the film industry. We shared an unforgettable moment when we won the Oscar. It's a moment I will forever cherish,' said Pheto. NOW READ: Khanyisa Jaceni welcomes her first bundle of joy
