Civic funeral for Thandi Klaasen
DURING his visit to pay his last respects to jazz legend Thandi Klaasen, Gauteng Premier David Makhura announced that Klaasen would be given a civic funeral.
This means that the City of Ekurhuleni will be giving Klaasen a funeral that is regarded as the highest honour that can be bestowed on a resident of the metro.
In his remarks at the Klaasen family home in Eden Park, Alberton, yesterday, Makhura said: “MamThandi was a bright star and she deserves to be honoured and to be given a dignified send-off.”
Makhura presented Klaasen’s family with a card of condolences that was signed by poet Mzwakhe Mbuli, MEC of Social Development Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, as well as other members of management and staff at the premier’s office.
Mayathula-Khoza was also with the premier at the home.
Klaasen died on Sunday after briefly battling pancreatic cancer. She was 86. She was best known for her role in the critically acclaimed musical King Kong.
Her daughter Lorraine earlier in the week said she would always carry her mother’s lessons in humility.
“I will always remember my mother as a humble person. She sang for prime ministers, kings and queens, but she was approachable.
“She was loving and kind and compassionate, and she forgave everyone who has ever wronged her – that’s a lesson I took from her,” she said.
Klaasen was described by some of her peers who visited her home earlier in the week as loving, stylish and talented.
Speaking outside her home on Monday, renowned jazz vocalist Letta Mbulu said Klaasen was a performer, a dancer and comedienne – all in one.
“I just feel so touched and grateful that I had time to spend with her. She is – I want to speak about her in the present – a true legend.
“We learnt so much, some of us, from the things she did. She was open minded and she taught us to be free with our thoughts. God gave her a gift, and she used it correctly,” Mbulu said.
Her funeral will take place next week.