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News

Presley’s peers shocked by his sudden passing

todayMay 27, 2025 307 3

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Some peers of the late Presley “Cobrizi” Chweneyagae are reeling from shock following the news of his sudden death, stating they never believed they would ever be referring to him in the past tense.

Contemporary arts director and producer of Usuthu Arts Production at the State Theatre in Pretoria, Kenny Mmekwa, shared with YNews his last moments with Chweneyagae.

“He looked just fine on Saturday when he was with us (other colleagues). It’s really so shocking. We had no idea that we were seeing him for the last time this past weekend,” says Mmekwa.

Mmekwa, who has been working closely with Chweneyage since his adolescent years, says he was devastated when he found out about his death via a phone call from another colleague.

He recalls Chweneyage as gregarious, saying he always made people laugh and enjoyed nothing more than his acting career.

“When it came to his craft, he loved his work more than anything. He was one of the hardest working individuals within performing arts and he was a good person,” remarks Mmekwa.

Chweneyagae, who rose to fame for his titular role in the 2005 Oscar-winning film, Tsotsi, succumbed to a short illness at the age of 40.

Other industry peers also say they are struggling to accept the news.

Refilwe Ramutlwa, who works at the State Theatre, says she had the opportunity to collaborate with Chweneyagae during one of their acting rehearsals for Usuthu Arts Production in 2018.

She says she will always remember the actor’s sense of humour.

“What I loved so much about him is his sense of humour and sociable character. He could easily come up with creative words because it came so naturally to him. We are going to miss that about him, its unbelievable. Death is not so easy to accept, no matter how much we try to understand it. Whatever he shared with us, we will take it with us and hopefully pass it on to others some day. We will always remember him,” says Ramutlwa while crying.

She says that when Presley was present, many of them forgot about the difficulties they were experiencing.

She adds that Chweneyagae taught her to live in the present moment and encourage others to do the same.

“He made me realise that even though as people we have a tendency to rub each other off the wrong way, we have to not dwell on that and rather forgive and forget. Live life at this very moment and enjoy it to the fullest. He left us with a lot of wisdom and I am thankful for that,” remarks Ramutlwa.

His family confirmed the tragic news through an official statement earlier.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of beloved our Son, brother, husband and father Presley Chweneyagae. He passed away on the 27th May 2025,” writes the family through a statement.

Digital platforms have been inundated with tributes for the renowned actor.

The family, which is now swimming in grief, also asked for privacy during these testung times.

“The Chweneyagae family humbly request to be given time to process this devastating loss and respect their privacy during this time,” says the Chwenyagae family through a statement.

“We would like to appreciate all the messages of support and condolences from family, close friends, colleagues and the public in general. More details will be shared in due course,” adds the family.

 

Written by Odirile Rabolao

 

Written by: Lindiwe Mabena

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