JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained worldwide recognition for his main function within the 2005 movie “Tsotsi”, which received South Africa’s first ever Academy Award for Finest International Language Movie, has died. He was 40 years previous.
His expertise company MLA on Tuesday confirmed Chweneyagae’s loss of life and stated South Africa had misplaced certainly one of its “most gifted and beloved actors.”
“His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain integral to his legacy,” MLA CEO Nina Morris Lee stated in a press release. She gave no particulars about the reason for loss of life.
Chweneyagae’s three-decade-long profession spanned theatre, tv, and movie.
His award-winning efficiency in “Tsotsi,” based mostly on the 1961 novel by South Africa’s preeminent playwright Athol Fugard and directed by Gavin Hood, catapulted him to worldwide stardom.
Chweneyagae was additionally a gifted author and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play “Relativity” with Paul Grootboom.
The South African authorities paid tribute to Chweneyagae, lauding his excellent contribution to the movie, tv and theatre fraternity.
“The nation mourns the loss of a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts,” the federal government stated in a publish on X. “Your legacy will live on through the powerful stories you told.”
The South Africa Movie and Tv Awards group, often called SAFTA, paid tribute to Chweneyagae, calling him a “true legend of South African Cinema” on X.
“Rest in Power … a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts,” SAFTA posted.
The secretary normal of the ANC, the celebration that dominated South African politics for 30 years, supplied his condolences.
Fikile Mbalula described Chweneyagae as a “giant of South African film and theatre.”
“His legacy in ‘Tsotsi,’ ‘The River,’ and beyond will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance,” Mbalula stated.
