Thandi Klaasen laid to rest
'Aunty Thandi will be missed by the Eden Park community, who will always remember how she sang at most funeral services around Eden Park and even at the stokvels.' Eden Park community member
THANDI Klaasen, the daughter of a shoemaker and a domestic worker, who lived her life with dignity and died with dignity, has been laid to rest on Friday, January 21 at Heroes Acres in Germiston.
Eden Park, unknown to many around Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, came to a standstill as mourners arrived in large numbers on the cool and cloudy morning to pay their last respects to “Ous Thandi”.
“She was a role model to many of our young and upcoming musicians, and her legacy will live on for generations to come. In 2006 we awarded her the Presidential National Order of the Baobab for her outstanding achievements,” said the former president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki. He was not on the programme but had decided to attend and bid farewell to the legendary jazz icon.
Her favourite song, I Did It My Way, which she always sang, was the theme of the day and was sung by the Living Legends – Caiphus Semenya and his wife Dorothy Masuku, Abigail Kubheka and many young artists who joined them on stage.
READ: SABC pays tribute to the late South African Jazz Diva Thandi Klaasen
Highly emotional speeches were delivered throughout the burial service, which was held at the Eden Park Community Hall. The arts industry praised the late Thandi, with speakers such as Tony Kgoroge (president of CCIFSA), Blondi Makhene (MPASA), Don Mattera (the poet) and Welcome Msomi (Living Legends Legacy Programme), singing her praises.
READ: Thandi dies at 86
The arts and culture fraternity, Nathi Mthethwa, the Minister of Arts and Culture, and the executive mayor of Ekurhuleni, councillor Mzwandile Masina, praised the Sophiatown girl’s legendary achievements and never-say-die spirit, which inspired many young artists.
“Our Thandi, or rather Aunty Thandi, will be missed by the Eden Park community, who will always remember how she sang at most funeral services around Eden Park and even at the stokvels,” said a community member.
Reverend Mehana, who conducted the funeral service said: “She has not died but has moved on from where we are. Rest in peace, Thandi Klaasen.”
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