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 formally honor Thando’s legacy here at KYP. In the meantime, we know that many people would love to contribute to KYP in honor his life, to help with funeral costs, or to assist his family. If you would like to make a donation in support of any of these or another initiative in honor of Thando, please contribute through our page at One World Children’s Fund, and include a note of what you would like your funds to support.