Written by: Dr Pearl Kupe
Yesterday, we received the devastating news of Olga Mpho Meshoe Washington’s passing. Olga was the eldest daughter of Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, President of the ACDP.
Her husband, Joshua Washington, released a statement on Facebook to announce her passing at 03:30 on January 6, 2025, following a brief hospitalization. She was recently diagnosed with lupus. Olga passed away in a hospital in the United States, where she lived with her husband and their two sons, Ezra and Judah.
Her younger brother, also named Joshua, released a statement informing the public of her sad demise. Her departure comes almost exactly two years since the death of her renowned mother, ACDP politician and activist Dr. Lydia Lefokane Meshoe.
I first met Olga more than 15 years ago and later had the privilege of mentoring her, as she too was in the field of law. She served as one of our leaders in our ministry network, Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, from 2012 until 2017 when she moved to the USA to get married.
Her list of achievements is mind-boggling. She made full use of her time on earth and accomplished more in her life than many who live much longer. She earned her law degree from the University of Pretoria, also known as Tukkies, which is one of the outstanding universities in South Africa, especially in the field of law.
As an accomplished attorney who worked for Webber Wentzel, she left having attained the position of Senior Associate with them. Her legal area of expertise was commercial law, where she distinguished herself remarkably.
A fearless advocate for Israel and an activist of note, she worked as the Chief Executive Officer of DEISI (Defend Embrace Invest Support Israel) International. She also was the Chief Operating Officer of Club Z, a Zionist youth movement in the United States, and served as a board member of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel.
She was a notable and respected international guest speaker who toured many nations in Africa, the USA, and beyond on speaking engagements and assignments.
Some of her achievements included, but are not limited to:
- Speaking at the 49th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2022.
- Receiving the Jerusalem Award for advocacy on behalf of Israel in 2016.
- Being named as one of South Africa’s Young Influential Christian Leaders by Parable Christian Magazine.
Olga leaves behind her husband, Joshua Washington; sons, Ezra and Judah; her father, Rev. Kenneth Meshoe; her siblings, Esther and Joshua Meshoe; and her parents-in-law, Dumisani Washington and Valerie Washington.
Qhawe la ma Qhawe Mpho! Re leboga Modimo ka Botshelo ba gago. We celebrate your life.
Tributes for Olga have been pouring in from around the world, here are just a few:
“We are extremely saddened at the sudden passing of Olga Meshoe Washington. She was a strong and articulate voice for Israel and will be missed on many levels. For those of us who knew/knew of Olga, let’s please keep the Washington and the Meshoe family in our prayers at this very sad time. She leaves behind her husband of 7 years, Joshua and their 2 sons, Judah (6) and Ezra (almost 4). As well as her dad, Kenneth (founder and leader of ACDP), sister Ester and brother, Joshua. (Her beautiful mom, Lydia passed away in January 2023.) She is now celebrating a life of faithfully serving the Lord and fully living out, with passion, His calling on her life!” – Vivienne Myburgh (ICEJ SA)
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Date published: 07/01/2025
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