South Africans are in mourning following the death of actor Presley Chweneyagae, who passed away at the age of 40.

According to his family, the cause of death was natural causes, following complications with breathing. Family spokesperson Mzwakhe Sigudla stated that paramedics were called to the scene, but “he couldn’t make it”.

Born in 1984 in South Africa’s North-West Province, Chweneyagae achieved international recognition for his leading role in the 2005 film *tsotsi*, which won South Africa’s first Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

‘Tsotsi’: A Landmark Film

*Tsotsi*, a gripping crime drama starring Chweneyagae, delves into the realities of gang life in South africa. The film incorporates a mix of South African languages, including Tsotsitaal, a dialect prevalent in townships.

South African film critic Stephen Aspeling described *Tsotsi* as a “landmark film” at a “critical juncture for South Africa’s film industry but also for South Africa on the international platform”.

mr. Aspeling noted, “It’s taking a look at post-apartheid South Africa, the social inequalities, conveying poverty [and] crime in townships,” adding that prior to *Tsotsi*, South Africa had limited portrayal at the Oscars.

“You need to draw from your own emotional memory to make the scene more believable.”

Gavin Hood, the director of *Tsotsi*, revealed that Chweneyagae had “never done a film” before being cast, emphasizing that chweneyagae himself came from a “tough neighborhood”.

Chweneyagae shared his acting beliefs in an interview on a South African podcast,explaining that he frequently enough drew upon his personal experiences to enhance his performances.

He mentioned that acting was his sole profession, beginning with his first professional play in 1998.

Mr. Aspeling also highlighted Chweneyagae’s performance in *iNumber Number*, where he portrayed a police officer, showcasing his “versatility”.

His agency released a statement calling him a “South African icon” and one of the country’s “most gifted and beloved actors”.

The South African government acknowledged him on X as “a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts”.

Chweneyagae’s filmography also includes a role in the Nelson Mandela biopic *Long Walk to Freedom* (2013), and various theater productions.

The South African Film and Television Awards lauded him as a “true legend of South African cinema” and a “powerhouse performer”.

The Ministry of Sports, Art and Culture recognized his contributions to popular South African series such as *River* and *Cobrizzi*.

Culture Minister gayton McKenzie stated, “The Department of Sports, Art and Culture, mourns the loss of a true trailblazer – a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft.”

In a 2020 appearance on the MacG podcast, Chweneyagae reflected on his desired legacy: “I just want to be remembered as an actor who loved his work, and who had great respect for others. I think that’s about it.”