Meet Presley Chweneyagae’s Parents: Agnes Keagile and Nkuru Keagile

Presley Chweneyagae, a renowned South African actor of Tswana heritage, achieved international recognition for his powerful performance in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi (2005).

Born on October 19, 1984, in Mafikeng, North West Province, during the final decade of apartheid, Presley was raised in Soweto amid the socio-political hardships that shaped many Black South African lives.

His upbringing was marked by both resilience and artistic inspiration, thanks to the strong influence of his parents, Agnes Keagile, a police officer, and Nkuru Keagile. His mother, an avid fan of Elvis Presley, named him after the iconic singer—an early indication of her deep appreciation for the arts.

Presley’s passion for acting was sparked in his youth through participation in church dramas. He initially stood out as a talented soccer player at Dinwiddie High School in Germiston but eventually turned his focus to acting. Recognizing his talent, Agnes enrolled him in drama classes, and at age 14, he joined a drama program led by celebrated playwright and stage director Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom. This formative experience laid the groundwork for Presley’s future success on stage and screen.

Presley’s career took off with Tsotsi, which catapulted him onto the world stage and opened doors to roles in theater, television, and film. His performance earned him accolades, such as the Black Movie Award and the Golden Kinnaree Award in 2006. He later became well known for his role as Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena in the television series The River.

Presley was traditionally married to Paulina Chweneyagae, a Swazi national, in March 2019. The couple had two sons, Siya Chweneyagae and Preston Chweneyagae. Known for guarding his privacy, Presley rarely shared details about his family in public.

In 2023, controversy arose when Aletta Somfula appeared on the show Papgeld, alleging Presley fathered her 16-year-old son and owed child support—claims that remain disputed.

Though specific information about his religious beliefs is limited, Presley’s early involvement in church plays suggests a Christian upbringing. His cultural roots were firmly grounded in his Tswana identity, with paternal ties to Botswana.

Presley Chweneyagae passed away on May 27, 2025, at the age of 40, leaving behind a legacy as one of South Africa’s most impactful performers.

Agnes Keagile

Agnes Keagile, the mother of acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae, was a police officer in South Africa during the turbulent years of apartheid.

Her resilience and foresight were instrumental in shaping her son’s future, guiding him away from the dangers that plagued many young boys in their community.

A woman with a deep love for the arts, Agnes named her son after her favorite musician, Elvis Presley—a tribute that not only gave him a distinctive name but also hinted at the creative path she hoped he might follow.

Presley grew up in a rural village near Mafikeng in the North West Province, where limited opportunities, poverty, and high crime rates posed constant threats to the youth. Determined to protect her son from these risks, Agnes made a pivotal decision that changed the course of his life.

When Presley was just 14, she noticed an advertisement in a local newspaper for drama classes and enrolled him without hesitation. At the time, Presley was more focused on soccer, but Agnes saw a greater potential in his performance abilities and sought to nurture it. That single act of maternal insight sparked his passion for acting and laid the foundation for his rise to fame.

More than just a mother, Agnes was Presley’s fiercest advocate and most loyal supporter. She was a fixture at his performances, never missing a play, and always encouraging him—even when he took on challenging roles like the conflicted gangster in Tsotsi.

Her support remained steady as he navigated the highs and lows of a demanding industry. Reflecting on his journey, Agnes once expressed both pride and gratitude: “I count myself very lucky,” she said, acknowledging the difficult paths many of Presley’s peers had taken and recognizing how his devotion to acting had steered him toward a brighter future.

Nkuru Keagile

Nkuru Keagile was a South African businessman and the father of acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae. Residing in Soweto with his wife, Agnes Keagile, and their four children, Nkuru played a steady, supportive role in his family’s life during the challenging apartheid and post-apartheid eras.

While he kept a low public profile, Nkuru‘s work in business and dedication to providing for his family helped lay the foundation for Presley’s success.

Known for his quiet strength and commitment to his children’s future, Nkuru contributed to the nurturing environment that allowed his son to pursue and achieve international acclaim in the arts.