By Kgomotso Medupe.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, has suffered another loss in his family.
The Meshoe family announced the passing of their daughter, Olga Meshoe-Washington (42), who died on Monday, 6 January in the United States of America (USA) after being diagnosed with lupus.
According to her husband, Joshua David Washington, she was diagnosed with lupus a few weeks ago after she collapsed at Newark Airport on her way home on Thursday, 26 December 2024.
“I would have lost her then had my brother-in-law not been travelling back to the States with her. I took the next flight up from Charlotte and was with her in the ICU.
“She was then transitioned to a normal room, which kept us all in high spirits. She was scheduled for a minor operation on Tuesday, 7 January, but unfortunately, she did not make it to the sunrise,” said Joshua.
He said he didn’t know she was about to die but slept in the hospital room with her and was able to speak and sing to her about 30 minutes before she passed.
“She always talked about the day when she would finally hear the applause of Heaven for the life she lived. That day is today. No other words to offer at the moment except, please keep the Washington and Meshoe families in your prayers,” he said.
Meshoe family spokesman Joshua Meshoe said the family has been left heartbroken by her passing.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their prayers for Olga, who recently fell seriously ill. She unfortunately left us to be with the Lord. We are terribly heartbroken, but we are comforted to know that she is in a much better place now,” he said.
He further pleaded for privacy during this extremely difficult period.
In 2023, Meshoe lost his wife, Lydia Meshoe, who was also a founding member of the ACDP.