Actor Reflects on Their Deep Bond, Shared Struggles, and Public Perceptions
South African actor Warren Masemola delivered a heartfelt and emotional tribute at the funeral of his late friend and co-star Presley Chweneyagae. The service took place on Saturday, 7 June 2025, at the Akasia Community Hall, followed by burial at Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria.
Both actors starred in the popular South African telenovela The River, where Masemola portrayed Oupa and Chweneyagae played the beloved Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena. Their on-screen chemistry reflected their real-life friendship, which Masemola described as complex, passionate, and deeply personal.
“We Fought All the Time – Because We Cared”
During his moving eulogy, Masemola didn’t shy away from discussing the ups and downs of their relationship. He described their bond as intense, even admitting that they argued frequently.
“We fought about love, family, money, work, time, professionalism, children… we fought all the time,” Masemola said, drawing both emotion and curiosity from mourners.
These conflicts, he explained, were born from mutual love and respect. Their friendship, like many close relationships, had its fair share of disagreements, but it was always rooted in care.
A Controversial Revelation
One of the most surprising parts of Masemola’s tribute came when he candidly revealed that he and Chweneyagae often expressed affection through kissing.
“Presley and I enjoyed kissing each other so much,” he said, a comment that quickly sparked reactions online.
The revelation prompted a flurry of social media responses. While some praised Masemola for his honesty, others were shocked or critical. Some Twitter users speculated about the nature of their relationship, with comments ranging from supportive to judgmental.
Speaking Out Against Substance Abuse
Masemola used the opportunity to highlight a bigger issue—alcohol abuse. He criticized the destructive role that alcohol plays in many communities, indirectly referencing Presley’s known struggles.
“Alcohol is destroying our nation,” one user quoted Masemola, praising him for speaking truth to power at such a solemn moment.
Online, several Pretoria locals commented that Presley was often seen intoxicated in public, pointing to a battle with addiction that may have gone unspoken during his life.https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/1931274752833814809?t=bd5_8WiQgW5X5vCp_2Y5RQ&s=19
Fans and Celebrities React
Fans of The River were left emotional by the tribute. Many took to social media to share memories of the iconic “Mapresent, Papas, and Cobrizi” trio that included Chweneyagae, Masemola, and fellow actor Lawrence Maleka.
“We will definitely miss their chemistry. They brought so much laughter to our screens,” wrote one fan.
Others, however, took issue with Masemola’s comments about physical intimacy and questioned his motivations.
Farewell from Industry Friends
Television producer Phathu Makwarela, co-creator of The River, also honored Presley at a memorial service held earlier on Thursday, 5 June. Makwarela recalled Chweneyagae’s dedication and acknowledged fellow cast member Motshidi Motshekgwa, who portrayed his on-screen mother.
As South Africans continue to mourn the loss of a beloved actor, Warren Masemola’s tribute stands as a raw and complex reflection of friendship, loss, and truth in an industry often defined by appearances.