Gavin Hood and industry peers celebrate Presley Chweneyagae's scene-stealing talent at heartfelt second memorial service

The second memorial service of actor Presley Chweneyagae took place at The South African State Theatre on Thursday, June 5.

Chweneyagae recently died at the age of 40 from natural causes.

His funeral is set to take place on Saturday, June 7, at Akasia Community Hall, Gauteng, from 8am. He will be laid to rest at Zandfontein Cemetery.

The actor rose to fame through his unforgettable performances in the Academy Award-winning film, "Tsotsi", "iNumber Number: Jozi Gold" and the popular telenovela "The River", which ultimately led to a spin-off show, "Cobrizi".

Actors Thato Molamu and Motshidi Motshegwa presided over the service.

The ceremony was marked by heartfelt tributes from his co-stars and colleagues, all eager to pay homage to the talent and spirit of a man affectionately known as “Cobrizi wa le Easy”.

South African filmmaker Gavin Hood delivered a moving tribute, recalling the young actor’s unique talent.

"What an amazing celebration of an amazing man. When the late Moonyeenn Lee (casting director) suggested we audition Presley for 'Tsotsi', I confessed that I've never heard of him ... but she couldn't take her eyes off him.

"He was only 19 and had never been in a film before. He possessed that rare quality that defines great acting.

"And what is that quality? It is an ego-free instinct for raw emotional honesty ... He knew how to move through a scene ... He didn't show emotion, he allowed it to exist honestly, vulnerably in front of us."

Hood continued to describe how Chweneyagae brought depth and honesty to the role of Tsotsi, stating: "He didn't act, he listened and allowed the story of the character he was telling to just be seen through him ... He gave Tsotsi a soul, he gave Tsotsi his soul.

"The Oscar I was privileged to collect on behalf of 'Tsoti' was not awarded to me as the director, it was awarded to our film, to a collective effort, to everyone who involved themselves and gave themselves to that story.

"And no one gave themselves more than Presley. He carried the heart of that film without ever trying to steal one frame, and witness him reveal the humanity of Tsotsi brought us all closer together."

Fellow actor Terry Pheto shared her journey with Chweneyagae, expressing that he was instrumental in transforming her life and career. 

"Presley was part of my beginning and somehow the end of a full-circle moment in my career. We worked together on my very first film, 'Tsotsi', we were just kids back then, young, hungry and full of dreams, even we couldn't articulate, and yet, there he was, carrying the weight of that story with a quiet intensity that left everyone breathless.

"His brilliance catapulted my career into unimaginable heights."

Their collaboration on "Tsotsi" paved the way for Pheto’s future successes: "I don't say that lightly, but being part of 'Tsotsi' opened doors that didn't know existed and almost two decades later, I had the honour of working with him again on 'iNumber Number: Jozi Gold', this time as a director trainee.

"And, once again, he was the lead, still powerful, still generous and still utterly magnetic. Presley made history, he made us proud, and he made us laugh."

Kenneth Nkosi echoed the sentiments of his peers: "A lot of people are jealous that they didn't work with that man (Chweneyagae). He was so easy to work with ... Shout out to Presely and Moonyeenn Lee." 

Israel Matseke Zulu, who also spoke at Chweneyagae's memorial on Tuesday, June 3, in Mahikeng, advocated for the celebration of actors’ contributions while they are still alive, hoping to honour their legacies through festivals.

"We don't have to wait for somebody to depart. I wish you could organise a festival like this for me before I depart. Rest in peace Chweneyagae," said Zulu.

Reflecting on their encounters on the set of "iNumber Number: Jozi Gold", S'dumo Mtshali remembered Chweneyagae’s influence on him.

"The first time I met him, I met someone that I admired watching from 'Tsotsi', from seeing him on this stage (State Theatre), and to work with him is a masterclass of its own ... I always called him 'grootman' because he paved the way for me."

He urged Chweneyagae’s son to embrace his father’s legacy and the responsibility that came with it, encouraging him to carry his family legacy.

"One thing I want to say to you, young man, is yes, you lost a father, now you have to take up his shoes. Don't be bitter, don't be angry, don't be sad, but feel those emotions, it's all new now.

"You have to carry this family. Help your mother, she needs you now. Presley gave us hell, but he always showed up, and I want you to show up ... I want you to hold that he was a good man. He paved the way for us and many other artists."

Other speakers at the memorial included representatives from the Moonyeenn Lee Agency, the MultiChoice Group, actor Thabiso Ramotshela, who played Chweneyagae's son on "The River", and director Krijay Govender, who referred to Chweneyagae as a "thief" during her tribute. 

"Nobody stole a scene, absolutely nobody stole a scene the way Presley did," said Govender.

Watch the full memorial service below.