Ekurhuleni pays tribute to Thandi Klaasen
She was one of the first young black professional female jazz singers and paved the way for an array of young local female singers to emerge on the South African music scene.
By Sipho Jacobs
The City of Ekurhuleni is hosting a memorial service today at the Germiston City Hall in honour of the late jazz singer Thandi Klassen, from noon to 3pm.
A long-standing resident of Katlehong and later Eden Park, Klaasen died on Sunday, January 15, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was one of the first young black professional female jazz singers and paved the way for an array of young local female singers to emerge on the South African music scene.
A singer, songwriter and actress, Klaasen featured prominently in a number of stage productions, including the internationally celebrated Ipi-Ntombi, created by Bertha Egnos.
She will also be remembered for her sizzling appearance in the legendary township stage musical Back In Your Own Backyard, created by the late jazz singer Ronnie Modonsela.
In paying tribute to this showbiz legend, on January 20, just five days after her death, the City of Ekurhuleni passed a Council resolution to accord her a civic funeral, a fitting send-off for a resident who contributed immensely towards building social cohesion in her community.
Gauteng Premier Hon. David Makhura, executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina and representatives from the Ministry of Arts and Culture, along with members of the local music fraternity, will be among the dignitaries to grace the occasion.
The City of Ekurhuleni wishes to advise members of the public that there will be road closures in the vicinity of the Germiston CBD from 5am until 6pm.
Roads which will be affected are:
• The intersection of Lambert and Queen
• Lambert and President
• President and Spilsbury
