DStv and Showmax Celebrate Presley Chweneyagae with Tsotsi and the Cobrizi Finale

South Africa is mourning the passing of Presley Chweneyagae, a national treasure and one of the country’s most beloved talents. In celebration of his life and profound legacy, DStv and Showmax have curated a week-long tribute featuring some of his most unforgettable performances—including the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, the highly anticipated Cobrizi season finale, and a special slate of feature films airing on Mzansi Bioskop.

Presley Chweneyagae rose to global prominence in 2006 when Tsotsi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Directed by Gavin Hood and based on Athol Fugard’s novel, the film introduced the world to a 20-year-old Chweneyagae in a raw and emotionally charged performance as a young thug navigating life in Johannesburg’s unforgiving townships. With co-stars Terry Pheto, Kenneth Nkosi, Jerry Mofokeng and Rapulana Seiphemo, Tsotsi became a South African classic and a symbol of local storytelling excellence.

Presley’s star turn won him international acclaim, including the Black Movie Award for Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role—outshining Hollywood heavyweights like Denzel Washington and Cuba Gooding Jr. Despite global opportunities, he remained rooted in South Africa, dedicating his career to theatre, television, and film that reflected the soul of the nation.

His impact deepened with his role as Thuso ‘Cobra’ Mokoena on the International Emmy-nominated The River. As Cobra, Presley became a pop culture icon—his character’s signature style and swagger etched into the fabric of South African entertainment. He twice won the Golden Horn for Best Actor in a Telenovela at the SAFTAs, in 2019 and again in 2024.

Cobrizi, a spin-off series inspired by his The River character, marked Presley’s final role—both in front of the camera and behind it as Executive Producer. The series encapsulated his artistic range and deep empathy, weaving themes of survival, love, and redemption. The Cobrizi finale airs this weekend, marking the end of an era.

Where to Watch Presley Chweneyagae’s Tribute Line-Up:

• Friday 6 June
  Tsotsi – M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 9pm | Available on Showmax and DStv Stream
• Saturday 7 June
  Tsotsi – Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 8pm | Available on DStv Stream and Catch Up
• Sunday 8 June
  Cobrizi – Season Finale, Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 8pm
• Monday 9 June
  Zama Zama – Mzansi Bioskop (DStv channel 164) at 9pm
• Tuesday 10 June
  State of Violence – Mzansi Bioskop (DStv channel 164) at 9pm
• Wednesday 11 June
  iNumber Number – Mzansi Bioskop (DStv channel 164) at 9pm
  Tsotsi encore – Mzansi Bioskop (DStv channel 164) at 9pm
• Sunday 15 June
  Tsotsi – M-Net Movies 4 (DStv channel 108) at 8pm

From the Oscar stage to the hearts of township theatre lovers, Presley Chweneyagae’s storytelling inspired generations. His performances were more than entertainment—they were cultural imprints. As we bid farewell, DStv and Showmax invite all South Africans to celebrate his life, talent and the legacy he leaves behind.

Robala ka Kagiso, Presley Chweneyagae.
Cobrizi wa le Easy.