Written by: Dr Pearl Kupe
Article source: JOY! Magazine
It was Wednesday 25 January 2023, around midday, when I heard the news of Mme Lydia Meshoe’s graduation and transition to glory. It was devastating news to those she left behind, but heaven was celebrating a life well lived.
A life of achievement
Mme Lydia Meshoe was born in Pietersburg (now Polokwane), Limpopo. She held a BSc degree from the University of the North, and a diploma in theology from Shekinah College, USA.
She served the ACDP with great commitment, passion, and excellence as a National Executive Council (NEC) member, a provincial leader of Gauteng, and a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. She was also the founder and leader of the Women of Destiny movement.
Mme Lydia also founded the Tshepo Women Help Centre and received multiple awards for her great service to the community. In 2007 she was awarded an honourary doctorate from the Logos Graduate College in the USA.
Preaching right until the end
We all knew Mme Lydia to be a warrior, right up until her very last moments. Whilst reminiscing with her youngest daughter, Esther, about her mother’s last days, she shared how her mom was preaching at Hope of Glory Church the Sunday before her transition. Although frail, she started preaching with her usual fervour, fire, and passion once she got onto the pulpit.
Fighting for justice
Fifteen years ago, the Lord took me on an apostolic and activism journey. This was when He first instructed me to stand for righteousness and justice. It was Mme Lydia who stood with me and supported me on that journey. At a time when many pastors and ministers of the Gospel were ridiculing me for initiating public petitions against rape and embarking on marches against pornography, it was Dr. Lydia who supported me wholeheartedly. She would show up to all our marches and events with busloads of women, and we would often march to the Union Buildings to present petitions to government officials. Her support was unwavering and unapologetic.
Shutting down naked news
One of the big victories we had together was when we marched to e.tv studios to confront them regarding their Naked News programme. This was an eight o’clock news programme whereby female news presenters announced the news whilst stripping naked. Our march was eventually supported by various prominent organisations that forced e.tv to shut down their pornographic show.
Leaving in love
This valiant soldier leaves behind her husband, Rev. Kenneth Meshoe, founder and leader of the ACDP political party, as well as their three beautiful children: Olga, Esther, and Joshua, and their spouses and grandchildren.
Well done good and faithful servant. You have left an extraordinary legacy that will be built upon. Re ikgantsha ka wena Motlhanka wa Modimo!
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Date published: 06/02/2023
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