Vuyo Raymond Matinyana, South African's unofficial cutural ambassador to the Netherlands, passed away in Amsterdam on Wednesday last week after suffering acute liver failure caused by hepatitis B.
Known to many as Miss Thandi - his inimitable drag act alter ego - Matinyana founded in Amsterdam in 1999 te bridge and enhance cultural relationships between South Africa and Holland.
The foundation channels money for education of deprived children to the Eastern Cape region, with a special focus on Port Alfred, where Matinyana was born on 12 October 1969.
He lived in Amsterdam from 1992, and was an active member of the Afro Vibes Band, made up of musicians from South Africa, Indonesia, Surinam and Brazil.
Matinyana also found time to give dance and choral workshops, and coach students in Xhosa and Zulu. In a message of condolence posted on its website this week, the foundation said: "Raymond was devoted to his community, his ideals transcended barriers which he expressed through his music and performances. We'll continue his foundation! Raymond is the heart of it."
Earlier this year, the foudation organised a weeklong series of concerts, film screenings and other events to commemorate the June 1976 Soweto uprising.