It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our dear colleague and friend Clement Matlala. Clement’s sudden passing has come as a huge shock to us all and we have been rendered heartbroken by this loss.
OUT offers its deepest sympathies to Clement’s partner, Samuel, his family and friends.
Clement joined the OUT LGBT Well-being family in 2017. He started as a volunteer and soon became a member of the organisation’s peer team. In 2018, Clement was promoted to the position of Receptionist.
Clement was dedicated to his work and the organisation. He had a friendly disposition and always made clients feel welcome and respected. He went out of his way to ensure that any task at hand was handled with the utmost professionalism, ease, and finesse.
Clement was also focused and ambitious and was pursuing a law degree at Unisa. Of Clement, his colleagues stated that he was a genuine person who always showed care and compassion. Clement was also known for his great sense of style.
Clement was a true friend who had great strength, regardless of his troubles. He was regarded as a confidant, as a brother and a son to the senior staff. Clement had a zest for life and his humble nature inspired those around him.
Clement, we will remember you for your caring and attentive nature, for your distinct laughter and your warm spirit. Your memory will live on in our hearts and in the corridors of OUT. You celebrated the diversity of the LGBTIQ+ community in so many ways and took pride in who you were. In your memory, we will honour and uphold those values.
Until we meet again.