JOHANNESBURG SABC Studios - AUGUST 10, 2013 - Thandi Klaasen accepting her award. The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz paid tribute in Women's Month by honouring five of the country's national cultural treasures with lifetime achievement awards during a presentation held at the SABC studios in Aucland Park, Johannesburg. Lauded for their contribution to South Africa's rich musical history, Sathima Bea, Thandi Klaasen, Abigail Kubeka, Dorothy Masuka and Sylvia Mdunyelwa have been named this year's Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Picture Thys Dullaart
Founded in 2008 by Naledi Senye, the Women of Destiny club is a platform for women from all walks of life to join forces and tackle issues that affect them both socially and in business, while also serving as a haven of strength for those who have experienced hardship.
Women of Destiny has gone from strength to strength since its formation. In 2011 it started the tradition of honouring women who have followed their destiny and defied the odds in pursuit of their dreams.
Thandi Klaasen was brought up in Sophiatown, Gauteng. During her teenage years, a jealous rival threw a mixture of thinners and petroleum at her face, leaving it permanently scarred. Undeterred by this setback, Klaasen continued working towards her dream of being a dancer and singer, and she is today regarded as one of South Africa’s legendary musicians.
At the recent event held in her honour, the social club bestowed upon Klaasen their Women of Destiny Legend Award, reports the Daily Sun.
Accepting her award, she said: “I am happy to be with people with such loving hearts. They can burn my face, but not my voice. My face is not Thandi Klaasen; I am Thandi Klaasen.”
– TEAMtalk Media
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