Terry Pheto, the acclaimed South African actress, has returned to the spotlight with a moving tribute following the unexpected death of her Tsotsi co-star, Presley Chweneyagae. The news of Chweneyagae’s passing has left South Africa reeling, as tributes pour in from across the nation and the global film community.
A Nation in Mourning After Presley Chweneyagae’s Sudden Passing
Presley Chweneyagae, widely celebrated for his groundbreaking role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning. While the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, his passing at just 40 years old has cast a shadow over the South African entertainment industry.
A statement released by his management company, MLA, confirmed the tragic news:
“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa’s most talented and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae, at the age of 40. Presley was a longtime and cherished member of the MLA family — more than just a client, he was a friend, a mentor to many, and a beacon of creativity and perseverance.”
The statement further emphasized Chweneyagae’s commitment to nurturing young talent and his dedication to the craft of storytelling, which made him a treasured figure not only in South African cinema but also internationally.
Terry Pheto
Terry Pheto Breaks Her Silence After Three-Year Hiatus
After a notable three-year absence from social media, Terry Pheto reappeared online to pay her respects to her late friend and co-star. The actress, who has kept a low profile in recent years, shared an emotional message that echoed the sentiments of many who worked with Chweneyagae during his illustrious career.
“I’m shocked and saddened by the news of Presley’s sudden passing,” Pheto wrote. “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.”
The Oscar win in 2006 for Tsotsi, directed by Gavin Hood, was a historic moment for South African cinema. The film, which earned the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, catapulted both Terry Pheto and Presley Chweneyagae into international stardom. Their powerful performances brought global attention to the rich storytelling emerging from South Africa.
Terry Pheto and Presley Chweneyagae
Presley Chweneyagae was more than just a performer. His roles often reflected the complex realities of life in South Africa, and he used his platform to advocate for social change. Beyond his iconic performance in Tsotsi, he appeared in several notable productions including The River and iNumber Number, showcasing his range and dedication to the craft.
Colleagues remember Chweneyagae not just for his on-screen talent, but for his generosity off-screen. Known for mentoring up-and-coming artists and speaking at schools and community events, he remained committed to uplifting those around him.
“Presley’s passion for empowering the next generation of artists will forever be a key part of his legacy,” MLA’s statement noted.
The emotional tribute by Terry Pheto highlights the deep bond shared between the two actors. Their journey from the gritty streets depicted in Tsotsi to the glamorous stage of the Academy Awards is a story of perseverance, talent, and mutual respect.
While Pheto has yet to reveal whether she will return to the screen, her recent tribute has reminded fans of the profound impact she and Chweneyagae had — not just on the silver screen, but on the cultural identity of a generation.
As South Africa mourns one of its brightest stars, Terry Pheto’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of art to unite, heal, and inspire.
At this time, Presley Chweneyagae’s family and representatives have not released details about his cause of death. Arrangements for his memorial and funeral services are expected to be announced in the coming days.
In the meantime, tributes from fans, fellow actors, and political figures continue to flood social media, painting a picture of a man who touched many lives through his performances and his personal mission to uplift others.
Source- EWN