Emotional farewell for Presley Chweneyagae - memorial service marred by technical difficulties

Hundreds of fans tuned in to watch the memorial service of leading actor, Presley Chweneyagae, held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng, North West, but were left extremely disappointed. 

What was meant to be a heartfelt tribute turned into a frustrating experience for many, as the event was plagued by technical issues and delays.

Affectionately known as “Cobrizi or Mokwepa”,  Chweneyagae passed away on Tuesday, May 27, at the age of 40 due to natural causes. 

Starting more than an hour late at 11.15 am, viewers tuning into the live stream were initially eager to share their final messages and memories of the beloved actor in the comments section.

As the service got underway, their anticipation quickly turned to disappointment as the stream was frequently interrupted, due to technical difficulties, leading many to voice their grievances online.

“Mxm. Hope Gauteng will give Cobri a proper and respectful memorial service, North West ke disaster fela,” expressed Maleshane Rose Nkate in frustration.

Other viewers echoed similar sentiments, commenting on the lack of service delivery, with remarks like, “Massive useless service delivery by our government” and “Hay, this is not acceptable”.

The situation escalated when the power went out, forcing attendees to break out into gospel songs in the dark.

Amidst the chaos, Mahikeng Municipality's executive mayor, Councillor Tshepiso Mphehlo, took the podium and delivered a moving tribute on Chweneyagae's legacy. 

He referred to Chweneyagae as one of Mahikeng's most "outstanding sons", recalling how Chweneyagae’s rise to fame following his Oscar win for “Tsotsi” in 2006 instilled hope in many young people in the area.    

"Like many of us here, I came to know Presley when he rose to stardom in 2006 after winning the Oscar for 'Totsi'. When it was released, there was so much talk and controversy around the movie, at least for the reason that there were two versions of how the movie ends: Does Tsotsi end up getting shot and killed by the police, or does he get arrested?

"So many of us watched the movie to see how it ends.

"It was during this time that we, as youngsters growing up in Mahikeng, had hoped for a better life because our dusty streets produced an international movie star ... That period was the pinnacle for the arts and culture in Mahikeng," said Mphehlo. 

He continued: "We are gathered here to bid farewell to a torch bearer of hope. Through the decades, we have seen him illuminate our television screens with his talent. All of the country is mourning Cobrizi ...

"Every one of us has lost a great deal one way or another with his passing. For us in Mahikeng, he's our son. He stands out as an inspiration adored amongst us."

He also took the opportunity to say that they are going to make Mahikeng "massive again".

South African actor and poet Israel Matseke-Zulu, best known for his roles in "Gaz'lam", "Gomora" and "Tsotsi", offered a song followed by a poignant speech.

"Thanks for the opportunity to be recognised as one of the friends of Presley Chweneyagae. We've done everything with him ... He proved that where you come from doesn't determine your destination.

"You can come from the west and become the greatest. No one can replace him, but we can follow in his legacy. There is so much talent here, but it needs to be nurtured and promoted. To be in Hollywood is not to be in heaven.

"Yes, we won the Oscar, but it doesn't make you a millionaire. Unfortunately, our country is not like America. Let's make the situation better. Let's recognise each other while we are still alive. Let's change rules, let's change the game," he ended.

In another heartfelt tribute, a childhood friend of Chweneyagae reflected on their shared passion for acting and the unwavering support his family lent throughout his career.

"We were all so passionate about acting, but Presley stood out because of how playful and funny he was ... Every single character he was given, he excelled in it. He continuously worked at making all his characters authentic and believable.

"He has impressed us with his charisma, endless jokes and undisputed talent. I am so proud to have shared so many scenes with him, both onstage and on screen. He was humble, considerate, caring and loyal to his friends and family.

"He never looked down on anyone regardless of the magnitude of his achievements at a very young age ... We will never forget his massive contribution to the arts industry here in Mahikeng, nationally and internationally ... Rest in peace," she ended.

Despite the technical hiccups, the mourning for Chweneyagae echoed beyond Mahikeng, resonating with fans across the nation. 

Chweneyagae's next memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 5, at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria at 11am. His funeral will take place on Saturday, June 7, at Akasia Community Hall, Gauteng, from 8am. He will be laid to rest at Zandfontein Cemetery.