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 CHWENEYAGAE’S JOURNEY
Presley’s journey began in Mafikeng, where he first stepped onto the stage at age ten. His starexploded 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.
A GREAT TALENT
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 CHWENEYAGAE AS ‘COBRA’
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.
RELIVE THE TALENT
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 Tsotsiagain 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.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRESLEY CHWENEYAGAE PERFORMANCE AND WHY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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