Thando’s Memorial Information
Wednesday, 3 September, 15h-18h SAST
KYP's Facebook Page for Livestream
Zoom broadcast of Thando's Memorial passcode: Thando
Tomorrow we will celebrate Thando's life with a memorial at the center starting at 15h00 SAST. For those of you who are able to make it in person, we would love to welcome you at KYP.
We know that it won't be possible, though, for so many of you around the world who loved Thando to be with us in person, and we want to make sure that you are able to join us virtually. We are planning to broadcast the memorial live on our Facebook page, and on Zoom (passcode: Thando).
If you have any trouble, check this page, which is where we will post updates about any changes, challenges, etc.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved KYP Co-Founder, Stakeholders Manager, and dedicated member of our Management Team, Thanduxolo Bezana.
For 18 years, Thando devoted himself to the Kliptown Youth Program, serving not only as a founder and manager but also as a Performing Arts Director and a guiding pillar.
His leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting mark on KYP and the community he so dearly loved. His presence will continue to be felt, and he will be missed deeply by all of us.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire KYP family during this difficult time.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Memorial Service:
Wednesday, 3 September, 15h00 SAST, KYP Center, Kliptown
For those of you who would like to help us celebrate Thando’s life but who are not able to join us in person, we would love to welcome you on Zoom or Facebook Live.
Funeral:
Saturday, 6 September, 08h00 SAST, KYP Center, Kliptown
The service is scheduled for approximately 3 hours. It will be followed by the burial at 11. Following the burial, we will reconvene at the KYP Center for a feast in Thando’s honor.
Thando’s Legacy:
Thando’s deep impact on each of us is something we will carry with us our whole lives. We want to honor his life and the positivity he embodied in ways that would make him smile. We know that the ways we can do that are as numerous as the friends he made around the world. Here are a few ways we think he would feel honored. And we would love to hear from you about your ideas on how to continue to keep Thando’s great spirit alive.
Share: We are so grateful for your kind messages as we mourn our devastating loss. Your wonderful notes of condolence, fond memories, and the many photos of him with all of you, mean so much to us. Please continue to share your memories of Thando by whatever means make the most to you.
Contribute: we are currently discussing ways in which to honor Thando here at KYP. In the meantime, we know that many people would love to contribute to KYP in honor his life. If you would like to make a donation in support of KYP programs in Thando’s honor, please contribute through Omprakash We will be in touch with more details soon once we have had a chance to formally honor Thando’s legacy here at KYP. If you have questions or ideas about other ways in which you might like to help, please reach out to us at info@kliptownyouthprogram.org.za.
Important update on donations made in honour of Thando:
We’re so grateful to all of you who donated in Thando’s honour since his passing.
We must clarify a point from our original email announcement that suggested donors could allocate their gift to funeral expenses and/or to Thando’s family. We are not able to allocate funds to either of those initiatives via One World Children’s Fund, one of our U.S. fiscal sponsors. One World does not fiscally sponsor these types of gifts.
In our grief, we mistakenly indicated that funds to support funeral expenses or Thando’s family could be donated to KYP through One World Children’s Fund (OWCF). We sincerely apologize, as OWCF can only accept donations that directly support KYP’s mission and programs.
We also want to share some important updates regarding Thando’s family and funeral expenses:
A few years ago, KYP’s board approved a “Provident Fund,” a life insurance benefit for all staff members. This benefit will now support Thando’s family and, thankfully, will provide them with financial security for the foreseeable future.
Through non-OWCF contributions, we have already received enough support to fully cover Thando’s funeral expenses.
We are aware that some friends are still making donations specifically for funeral expenses. By sending this message to everyone, we hope to kindly advise that no further contributions for funeral costs are needed.
If you made a donation in Thando’s honour and indicated that your intention was that the funds go to support funeral expenses or Thando’s family:
All donations given through OWCF must and will go directly to sustaining KYP’s mission and advancing the programmatic initiatives we are developing in Thando’s name, as is mandated by our fiscal sponsorship agreement with OWCF.
Please email to let us know whether your preference is:
Refund: OWCF can refund your donation
Redirect: You may choose to have your full donation redirected to KYP’s programs in Thando’s honour.
If we do not hear from you, we will assume you are comfortable with your gift being applied toward the general support of KYP’s work.
If you were among the friends who intended for your gift to go toward funeral or memorial expenses, please accept our heartfelt apology.