It is with sadness to inform you about the passing of Kirvan Fortuin who was the founder and artistic director of the Kirvan Fortuin Foundation. For the past few years Fortuin resided between South Africa and the Netherlands, and danced for a Dutch dance company. Fortuin was reportedly stabbed to death on Friday night (12 June 2020) in the Cape Flats.

Fortuin was also a dedicated LGBTQI+ activist, and founded House of Le Cap, South Africa’s first ballroom house.

Kirvan Fortuin was a decorated dancer and even received a Ministerial recommendation at the Western Cape Cultural Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Preservation and Promotion of an Indigenous Art form. The NAC has supported his bursaries for 2014 and 2015 as well as his choreography talent during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 financial years through individual funding.

We at the National Arts Council send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. He may no longer be among us, but his contributions to the industry will live forever be in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace.

Rest in Power Kirvan Fortuin 🙏