3 JUNE 2025

We learned with shock and disbelief of the untimely and unexpected passing of your popular beloved son, a product of Mahikeng, father, husband and friend to many and iconic star to all. My wife, Thandi and I were beyond words, because we knew him and even though we are in Bangkok, Thailand, we always watched his videos. He was funny in a very skilful way! He made us laugh indeed! But none amongst us anticipated this painful reality. And were certainly not prepared for it. There is no greater emotional pain than what one experiences after losing a loved one. We can only imagine the deep void in your hearts which sometimes cannot be filled by our comforting words, memories and prayers alone. But Presley was a special person, one who was destined for greatness. And we must remember him in a positive manner. We are also specially compelled to reflect on the best about him, the good he did and his impact on our families, community and society in general. Even though, we inevitably, must also be immersed in prayer to deal with such a sudden, unexpected and incomprehensible loss. But still, we cannot avoid bearing testimony to his enduring positivity about life, and his exceedingly bountiful love for his wife, children, family, friends, fellow actors and colleagues and his unforgettable talent and abilities.

Short, at just 40, as his time with us might have been, his impact on our lives was beyond measure. Milan Kundera reminds us (quote) “The worth of a human being lies in the ability to extend oneself, to go outside oneself, to exist in and for the people” (close quote). Pressley embodied the dictum. He existed for the people and inspired many to strive to be better than him for he recognised in them their worth as human beings. He deployed his talent as an entertaining tool, sprinkled with an amazing and penetrating sense of humour. He was undoubtedly a bomb of ideas with a vital energy combined with exceptional creativity. He generated laughter with his humorous lines in the River. He would cheekily say “Or ke lo tabotse? And crown it all, with…ke load-shedding…. when he realised that you are shocked! Or mesmerised, as he would assert! And then burst out in his cheeky laughter! He was at the very height of his creative and artistic calling. He was indeed extra-ordinarily gifted. He was the crème de la crème of the performing arts. To him being on stage and screen was second nature. He will not be easily forgotten! He exuded grace with an amazing brilliance for the performing arts.

He was exceedingly authentic and unafraid to be himself. As Correy Scott said (quote) “We live in a world that says our best self is not good enough. Rather than being real, we embrace counterfeit living, we choose acceptability over authenticity, unable to shine our unique brand of awesomeness into the world” (close quote)

Presley or Cobra, Cobrizzy ,Mokwepa, as he was professionally and affectionately called, was just awesome. He gave South Africa and the world his all. And winning the best Foreign Language Film Oscar Award with “Tsotsi”in 2006, was a testament of the talent and abilities of this authentic and exceptional performer, confirming his awesomeness globally. I recently watched an interview in which he expressed sadness at the condition of Mmabana. The very place in Mahikeng where he was groomed and his talent further nurtured. But I am sure our leaders who are part of the mourners here today to celebrate him, will watch that clip, hear his plea and seriously, do the needful.

To the family, friends, the Mahikeng community and the arts community-let us embrace our pain and remember and celebrate him with pride. Dr. John Kani recently, when reflecting on his life and times during a live television interview, said about him “He was a master of his craft” Lets celebrate this talented master and his achievement with pride and as someone who found and shone his unique brand of awesomeness into the world. Borra Chweneyagae le masika ka kakaretso ,Lalang ka dintho, madi a tshologe!

May his soul Rest in Peace.

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