‘Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible’ — industry mourns Chweneyagae

In an interview four years ago, renowned actor Presley Chweneyagae said he would retire at 40.

“I’ll quit acting when I turn 40, and I won’t be involved in the entertainment industry as I’ll focus on different work and environment,” Chweneyagae told Daily Sun in 2021.

However, those words took on new meaning on Tuesday morning as South Africa woke up to the news of the actor’s demise at 40.

His management team, MLA, confirmed his passing.

“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.

MLA described Chweneyagae as more than a client to them.

“He was a friend, a mentor to many, a beacon of creativity and perseverance. His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain an integral part of his legacy.”

His management added that details regarding memorial services will be shared in due course.

ALSO READ: ‘The River’ and ‘Tsotsi’ star Presley Chweneyagae dies at 40

Rest in peace Cobra

Alongside the ‘RIP Presley Chweneyagae’ hashtag that trended on Tuesday morning, the Cobra hashtag was also atop the trending list on X.

South Africans revered and appreciated Chweneyagae’s acting from the moment the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi took over the world.

However, in recent years, his performances on The River made him more endearing to Mzansi as the hilarious older brother with an English twang.

In order to honour Cobra and find healing in losing him, let’s make a thread of his best moments on TV as our entertainer.

We lost a legend here, Cobra will forever be remembered as a remarkable actor 😭!

#RIPPresleyChweneyagae pic.twitter.com/41E4q5xcNj

— Slaughter. (@BafanaSurprise) May 27, 2025

His performances were so good that a spin-off of The River, centred on Chweneyagae’s character, Cobra, was launched.

Titled Cobrizi, the 13-episode series premiered in March.

“Working with Presley and keeping a straight face is almost impossible,” Ishmael Songo, Presley’s co-actor on Cobrizi, told The Citizen.

Songo, who plays the role of Peanut on Cobrizi, said Chweneyagae was good at improvisation.

“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,” shared Songo.

What a talent lost💔
Cobrizi Cobra

#RIPPresleyChweneyagae pic.twitter.com/fwx077nThY

— Minister Clifford🇿🇦 (@CliffordChuene) May 27, 2025

Songo also worked with Chweneyagae on Tsotsi in 2003 and describes their working together on Cobrizi as their last dance.

“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.”

ALSO READ: Papgeld: Potential deadbeat Presley Chweneyagae leaves ‘The River’ fans disappointed

A giant of South African film

Actress Sana Mchunu, who worked with Chweneyagae on The River, briefly took The Citizen’s call while on set.

“I’m still in a state of shock, I don’t know what happened. I’m on set…I’m just in shock,” Mchunu told The Citizen.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the talented Don Presley Chweneyagae. One of our own ❤️💔.

Rest in Power 🕊️.#RIPPresleyChweneyagae pic.twitter.com/AdRlkFGvrk

— NetflixSA (@NetflixSA) May 27, 2025

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula also tweeted his homage to the actor, describing Chweneyagae as a giant of South African film.

“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Presley Chweneyagae. A true giant of South African film and theatre, his legacy in Tsotsi, The River, and beyond will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance,” the politician wrote.

🕊️ Rest in Power, Presley Chweneyagae

A true legend of South African cinema.

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Presley Chweneyagae — a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts.#RIPPresleyChweneyagae#SAFTAs pic.twitter.com/MHw179OGLp

— South African Film & Television Awards #SAFTAs (@SAFTAs_1) May 27, 2025

As recent as last year, Chweneyagae won a South African Film and Television Awards (Safta) for his performance on The River as Cobra.

“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Presley Chweneyagae — a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts,” the Safta wrote on their X account.

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