Presley Chweneyagae Biography
Presley Chweneyagae, a renowned South African actor, was born on October 19, 1984, in the North West Province during the apartheid era. This was a time when South Africa faced international isolation due to its oppressive policies towards the black population. He was raised in a family of four, and his mother, Agnes Keagile, a police officer, named him Presley after her favorite musician, the late Elvis Presley.
Embarking on an Acting Career
Chweneyagae’s interest in acting was sparked at a young age when he participated in religious dramas at his church. Recognizing his passion, his mother enrolled him in acting classes. At the age of 14, he joined a drama school run by playwright and stage director Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom. After numerous roles in theatre, he landed his first film role in “Tsotsi.”
Breakthrough Role in “Tsotsi”
In 2000, Chweneyagae made his television debut in “Orlando” for SABC TV. His film career took off with “Tsotsi,” a film based on Athol Fugard’s only novel and adapted for the screen by director Gavin Hood. Chweneyagae auditioned for a supporting role but was cast as the lead character, Tsotsi, a young man from Soweto who steals to survive. The film narrates the story of a gang leader from Johannesburg who undergoes personal redemption in a violent era post-apartheid.
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Global Acclaim for “Tsotsi”
“Tsotsi” premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival in 2005 and received praise for its authenticity and Chweneyagae’s performance. The film was released in South Africa later that year and internationally in early 2006. While some critics found the plot formulaic, others lauded the film for its emotional depth and Chweneyagae’s portrayal of the complex character of Tsotsi. The film won several awards and brought international acclaim to Chweneyagae. “Tsotsi” also won the Best Foreign Language Film award at the 2005 Academy Awards (Oscars).
Television and Film Roles
Chweneyagae has had a diverse career in both television and film. His television roles include Andile Grootboom in “90 Plein Street” (Season 5), Shoes Moshoeshoe in “iNumber Number” (Season 1), and Cobra in “The River” (Season 1 – 3). He has also served as a presenter for “The South African Film and Television Awards” (Season 12 & 13) and played Detective Moloko in “Thula’s Vine” (Season 1).
His film roles include “Menda City” (2009), “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (2013), “Zama Zama” (2013), “More Than Just a Game,” “State of Violence,” and “Africa United.”
Personal Life
Chweneyagae is married to Paulina Chweneyagae, a Swazi woman. The couple has two children together. Despite his fame, Chweneyagae prefers to keep his personal life private and rarely speaks about his family in public. He also has a son from a previous relationship with actress Lerato Mvelase.
In April 2023, a woman named Alletta Somfula claimed to be the mother of Chweneyagae’s 16-year-old son. She appeared on the show “Papgeld” on Moja Love TV, alleging that Chweneyagae had not been paying child maintenance for their son. She claimed to have taken him to court three times and that he owed her R58,800.
Alleged Domestic Assault Involving Presley Chweneyagae
Presley Chweneyagae, known for his role as Cobra Mokoena on The River, was reportedly arrested for assaulting his wife earlier this month. The incident, which occurred on September 5, led to his detention at the Pretoria North police station on charges of common assault, according to Daily Sun reports.
Chweneyagae stated that the incident stemmed from a disagreement over his car keys, which his wife refused to hand over due to a work commitment. He emphasized that he is not a violent individual and that this was the first such incident between them.
The Presley Chweneyagae Foundation: Giving Back Through Performing Arts
In an effort to give back to the community, Chweneyagae established the Presley Foundation. The foundation, aimed at aiding impoverished communities in South Africa, utilizes the performing arts as a medium of assistance. It extends its reach to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds nationwide, uplifting aspiring actors in rural areas through workshops and street talks conducted by professional performers. Chweneyagae’s efforts to inspire African youths to pursue their dreams, work diligently, and lead respectable lives are commendable. He is indeed a hero in the truest sense.
Presley Chweneyagae’s Net Worth
As of 2020, Presley Chweneyagae has amassed a net worth of R9 million. His wealth is derived from his acting career, along with various endorsements and guest appearances.
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