Katlego Sekhu
The second memorial service for fallen South African actor Presley Chweneyagae took place on Thursday morning at the State Theatre in Pretoria.
Thabiso Ramotshela, who played Morena, Chweneyagae’s son on The River, was among those who took to the podium to pay tribute to Chweneyagae.
For Thabiso, the late actor was more than just a colleague. He was a guide and a mentor.
“I miss him so much,” Thabiso began, his voice cracking with emotion. “I remember the first time I got the call. It was so hard for the person to tell me that Ta Pres had passed on.”
He explained that he had been a constant source of support during difficult times on set.
“ I feel it is so unfair. As much as he is not my father, he is still my dad,” Thabiso shared, holding back tears. “That man raised me. He took care of me when things got hard on set. He would call me to make sure that I am okay.”
Thabiso spoke not only for himself but for many who had come to know Presley as more than just the man who played Cobrizi.
“A leader has fallen,” Thabiso said. “We all gathered here to celebrate the life of a leader.”
He recounted their years working together.
“To tell the truth, the thought of me not being able to see him ever again… my heart sinks.”
Presley’s legacy, however, is not one that will fade with time, as Thabiso expressed.
“As much as a lead has fallen, a legend was born,” he declared. “One that brought an Oscar award to South Africa and gave me a reason to continue acting.”
Perhaps the most touching moment came when Thabiso revealed the silent quest he’d been on all these years: the pursuit of Presley’s approval.
“The reason I am so hard on myself is because of that man,” he said. “All I have ever wanted was his approval. And to hear from other people right after your death that you loved and admired me… Presley, I miss you so much. I love you so much, Papa. Until we see each other again.”
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