The City of Ekurhuleni will undertake programmes to honour the memory of the late Thandi Klassen as an artist and for her contribution to the struggle for a democratic South Africa, says Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina.
As a city, we will embark on numerous programmes to see how we can immortalise her good name. We will make sure that her good name is not associated with mediocrity, Masina said.
He was speaking during Klaasen’s memorial service at the Germiston City Hall. It was a moving tribute attended by many of the entertainment industry legends, numerous government officials, including the Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi and the Deputy Minister for Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi.
The internationally acclaimed and respected jazz icon from Sophiatown succumbed to cancer recently at the East Rand Hospital at the age of 86.
Klaasen earned several awards and honours including the National Order of the Baobab from the President, which was bestowed on her for her excellent achievement in and contribution to music.
She remained an icon, an artist, a mother and compatriot, who established herself among her peers. We shall remember her contribution in exile, Masina said.
He said a resolution, according to the protocol policy, was adopted by Council to grant a Civic Funeral as well as Posthumous Freedom of the City to Thandi Klassen.
This is the highest honour conferred to an individual by the City. Previous recipients include the late ANC stalwart O.R. Tambo and his wife Adelaide Tambo.
Muthambi said Klaasen’s soothing voice helped to drown frustrations and keep hope alive during the struggle days from Sophiatown to Soweto, as well as abroad.
Apartheid, both petty and grand, could not suppress her indomitable spirit. Like many in her time, she experienced what it means to lose your house through the stroke of a pen, she said.
The freedom that South Africans enjoy today is because of people like Klassen, said the Minister.
Very few individuals have captured South Africa’s political and cultural imagination and impacted on the lives of many musicians as Mama Klaasen had.
She will remain etched in our memories. We are privileged to have known and shared moments with her, Minister Muthambi said.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK