Presley Chweneyagaye: Final farewell to a cultural giant

THEY came in their thousands artists, politicians, friends, fans, and fellow dreamers - to say goodbye to a man who never stopped dreaming out loud.

- BONGANI NICHOLAS NGOMANE

Presley Chweneyagaye, the beloved actor, writer, cultural architect and icon of South African stage and screen, was honoured with a stirring memorial service on June 5th at the South African State Theatre, in a sendoff befitting a legend.

The theatre - a place Presley knew as home - overflowed with people from all walks of life. Traffic swelled around the venue, parking lots brimming, queues snaking along the pavement as the faithful waited to get in. Inside, every corner pulsed with his presence. Screens were set up in overflow stations across the building, and still, hundreds stood outside, clinging to the hope of catching a glimpse or a note of the tribute inside.

At precisely 11:50 a.m. - fifty minutes later than scheduled due to the immense turnout - the memorial began with the soaring voices of the Tshwane Gospel Choir. Their opening hymn lifted the ceiling and spirits alike, setting a tone of joy in remembrance.