South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has died at the age of 40.
Presley Chweneyagae dies: What’s the cause of death?
His passing was confirmed by close friends in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 May 2025. At the time of publication, no official cause of death has been disclosed.
Chweneyagae’s death comes as a shock to many in the entertainment industry and to fans across the country. Known for his powerful screen presence and compelling performances, the actor remained active in television and film until his passing.
Presley Chweneyagae biography
Born on 19 October 1984 in Mafikeng, Chweneyagae shot to fame with his breakout role in the 2005 film Tsotsi.
The film, directed by Gavin Hood, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Oscars, putting both Chweneyagae and South African cinema on the global map.
Named after his mother’s favourite singer, Elvis Presley, Chweneyagae became a household name following Tsotsi.
His acting career spanned both screen and stage. His film credits include iNumber Number, Zama Zama, The Number, and the 2025 release Cobrizi. On stage, he performed in a play based on the life of Solomon Mahlangu, a member of the anti-apartheid movement.
Despite professional success, Chweneyagae faced personal challenges. In 2023, he was the subject of controversy after appearing on the reality TV show No Excuses, Pay Papgeld, where it was revealed he had fathered a child out of wedlock in 2005.
The mother, Aletta Somfula, claimed Chweneyagae failed to meet his child support obligations, despite multiple court orders.
Somfula shared that he was an active father to his other two children with his wife, Paulina, and that her decision to go public came after years of legal efforts. She alleged that Chweneyagae only paid once in 2014 and currently owed over R58,800 in backdated support.
The actor was also reportedly being investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for a R15 million fraud case involving the National Lotteries Commission.
Reactions to Presley Chweneyagae’s death
Tributes have begun pouring in from fans, fellow actors, and public figures. Many praised his contribution to South African film and theatre, particularly his role in Tsotsi, which is still remembered as a landmark moment in local cinema.
Here are some of the reactions we picked:
