Johannesburg
– Former President Thabo Mbeki has praised the legendary jazz singer Thandi
Klaasen for her outstanding service to South Africans.

Mbeki addressed mourners at Klaasen’s funeral service in Eden Park on
East Rand on Friday morning.

“And so that’s why in 2006
we decided that Thandi Klaasen should get the order of the Baobab in Gold, the
highest order in terms of the service of the people”. 

Klaasen died earlier this month at the age of 86 after a
long battle with pancreatic cancer.

The funeral service was packed with dignitaries, politicians
and musicians, the atmosphere was joyous at the Klaasen’s funeral ad the family
sang and danced.