• Presley Chweneyagae, famed for his role in "Tsotsi," has died at age 40.
• His agency confirmed the news and highlighted his legacy in the arts.
• The South African government and various organizations honored his contributions.

Presley Chweneyagae, the celebrated South African actor known for his breakout role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, has died at the age of 40, as confirmed by his talent agency MLA. The agency described him as one of the country's "most gifted and beloved actors," expressing condolences to his family and fans. "While we grieve the immense loss of a remarkable talent, we celebrate the light he brought to the world," said MLA in a statement, though no cause of death was provided, according to AllAfrica and Africanews.

Chweneyagae's profound impact on the film and theater industry spanned over three decades, with his role in Tsotsi bringing him international acclaim and making waves as South Africa's first Oscar-winning film for Best Foreign Language. He not only starred in the film but also contributed to the arts as a writer and director, co-authoring the acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom, according to Los Angeles Times and BBC.

The South African government joined in the tributes, calling Chweneyagae "a gifted storyteller" whose talent enriched both screens and hearts, while the South Africa Film and Television Awards memorialized him as "a true legend of South African cinema." Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie remarked on his role as a trailblazer for the nation, noting his contributions to works like The River, further solidifying his legacy within the arts, according to Africanews and Los Angeles Times.