Presley Chweneyagae: Memorial Service, Funeral, and Final Resting Place Announced

South Africa is in mourning as it prepares to bid farewell to beloved actor and Oscar-winner Presley Chweneyagae, who tragically passed away on May 27, 2025, at the age of 40 due to a sudden respiratory complication. Known for his powerful performances and warm presence both on and off screen, Chweneyagae’s death has left a deep void in the hearts of fans, colleagues, and his family.

Memorial Services Honouring Presley Chweneyagae’s Life and Legacy

In honour of Presley Chweneyagae’s remarkable life and career, two memorial services have been organized to allow loved ones, industry peers, and fans to pay their respects.

The first memorial service will take place on Monday, June 3, at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mafikeng, Chweneyagae’s hometown. Beginning at 10:00 AM, the event will be a gathering of local community members, friends, and family who will reflect on his inspirational journey from a young talent in Mafikeng to an internationally recognized actor.

The second memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, at The Opera State Theatre in Pretoria, where Presley resided for most of his adult life. Starting at 11:00 AM, this ceremony will offer a chance for his colleagues, co-stars, and Pretoria-based admirers to come together in remembrance of his life and body of work.

Final Farewell: Funeral and Burial Details

Presley Chweneyagae’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7, at the Akasia Community Hall, beginning at 8:00 AM. Following the funeral, Chweneyagae will be laid to rest at Zandfontein Cemetery, a site that holds the remains of many prominent South Africans. The burial will mark a solemn moment for the nation as it says goodbye to one of its brightest stars.

These ceremonies are expected to draw significant attendance, with fans, public figures, and entertainment industry professionals all coming together to celebrate and remember Presley’s extraordinary life.

Presley Chweneyagae rose to international prominence with his breakout performance in the 2005 Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, where he portrayed the titular character. The film went on to win Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, propelling Chweneyagae into the global spotlight.

His nuanced, powerful performance in Tsotsi captured the emotional complexity of life in South Africa’s townships, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. The role not only launched his career but also placed South African cinema firmly on the international map.

While Tsotsi introduced him to the world, Presley Chweneyagae solidified his place in the hearts of South African audiences through his role as Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena on the hit drama series The River. Known affectionately by fans as Cobra, Cobrizi, or Mokwepa, his character was a blend of humour, vulnerability, and raw emotion.

Presley’s portrayal of Cobra allowed him to connect deeply with viewers, many of whom saw reflections of real-life struggles and resilience in his performance. The role brought him a new generation of fans and showcased his incredible range as an actor.

Film and Television Contributions

Beyond Tsotsi and The River, Presley Chweneyagae had a rich filmography that included notable roles in:

• iNumber Number

• 90 Plein Street

• When We Were Black

• Thula’s Vine

These roles further demonstrated his dedication to storytelling and his ability to breathe life into every character he portrayed. His work consistently reflected the social realities of South Africa while inspiring empathy and understanding.

Following the announcement of his passing, an outpouring of love and condolences has flooded social media and news outlets. Co-stars, directors, and fans have shared heartfelt tributes that speak to Chweneyagae’s talent, humility, and impact.

Actor Lunga Mofokeng, who played Presley’s on-screen son in The River, shared emotional video clips from their time on set, remembering his co-star not just as a mentor but as family.

Veteran actress Winnie Ntshaba also honoured Chweneyagae with behind-the-scenes footage capturing his humour and infectious spirit. “This film is going to come out, and you won’t be here to witness your magic. Rest well, Presley,” she wrote.

Though Presley Chweneyagae is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the characters he brought to life, the stories he helped tell, and the people he inspired. His journey from a township youth to a global cinematic icon is a testament to perseverance, talent, and purpose.

As South Africa prepares to say its final goodbyes, the nation also celebrates the life of a storyteller who used his craft to change perceptions and touch hearts.

Rest in peace, Presley Chweneyagae. Your light will continue to shine through the screens and stories you leave behind.

Source – EWN