Industry colleagues reminisce glowingly about fallen Tsotsi star

He recalled how last month Chweneyagae called him but they never got to talk. “It [Chweneyagae’s death] was a shock because a month before he had called me and I said I would call him back. That moment never arrived. It’s a pity. I’ll never know what he needed to tell me before he left this world,” he said. 

Cobrizi, as he was affectionately known, died on Tuesday aged 40. 

On Thursday, actors, friends, relatives as well as North West provincial government officials, visited his parental home in Ramosadi, Phola Section, in Mahikeng. 

Hendrick Metsileng, acting CEO of Mmabana Arts Council, remembered Chweneyagae as a 10-year-old boy with a heart full of stories.

“He was groomed by Mmabana. He was our product. Our pride. He came from a dusty village and stood on international stages. We were beginning talks with him to help revive theatre in Mmabana. He wanted to give back. Now he’s gone,” he said.  

Chweneyagae’s childhood friend, actor Leungo Masire, said there was so much more to him than what people saw.

“He could’ve been one of the greatest, like the international stars who get to show their range when they grow older. He was robbed of that chance. We dreamed together. We said we’d return to Mahikeng and give back through one big production. I’ve known him for 26 years. He was like my brother,” said Masire.  

Neighbour Malebogo Rampalanyana remembered how they’d visit his house to watch movies, unaware that young Chweneyage was copying every scene and every character.

“In a world where true talent is often dimmed by the brutal realities of the industry, Presley’s light still managed to shine. Presley wasn’t just a performer. He was a symbol of possibility. A boy from Mahikeng who dreamed big and made it, and along the way touched hearts, gave hope, and reminded us all of the power of believing in someone,” he said.

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