Remembering Presley Chweneyagae: Tributes from Terry Pheto and Tshedza Pictures

Heartfelt condolences have poured in following the death of South African actor Presley Chweneyagae.

Nina Morris Lee, CEO of talent company Moonyeenn Lee & Associates, confirmed the actor’s death.

The talented actor became a household name for his work in the critically acclaimed film "Tsotsi," which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006, as well as in "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom".

Chweneyagae’s “Tsotsi” co-star Terry Pheto who has not posted on her Instagram feed since 2022, paid tribute to the actor in a post.

“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. May his soul rest in peace. 💔”

His role as Cobra on “The River” transformed him into a TV icon, a cultural phenomenon. 

“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,” said Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice.

Tshedza Pictures, the production company behind “The River” and “Cobrizi” shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling their first day on set together in 2017 and how the actor lit up the space.

“What none of us could’ve predicted was just how iconic Cobra would become. Presley gave South Africa one of its most unforgettable TV Characters; complete with swagger (his beret) lingo, and an emotional depth that only he could deliver.

“Cobra didn't just live on screen; he became a cultural phenomenon. And even as the writers and creators of the character, we often sat back in awe at what Presley brought to it,” shared Tshedza Pictures.

Actor Ishmauel Songo who worked with Chweneyagae said: “Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible. 

“You never know which way he will tell a story in the most comedic way. His amount of talent to improvise in any given situation is impeccable. I worked with him in 2003 when we shared a stage and shot the movie ‘Tsotsi’. 

“I was privileged to work with him in the year 2024 when we shared a stage again and shot Cobrizi. Little did I know that I’m saying goodbye to a legend that we had our last dance with. May his soul rest in peace. Ulale ka le easy Cobrizi. Till we meet again.”

Hailing from Soweto, the 40-year-old’s passing has sent ripple waves across the entertainment industry.

IOL Entertainment