The leadership and members of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) are extremely saddened and broken at the passing of Olga Meshoe Washington, the daughter of the President of the ACDP, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Meshoe and the late Dr. Lydia Meshoe.
After a short illness, she passed on in the USA, yesterday morning, 6 January 2025, with her husband, Joshua Washington, holding her hand at her hospital bedside.
Olga was a qualified attorney, who had also completed her MBA, with distinction. She was a bright, intelligent, articulate person, who loved and served her Saviour, Christ Jesus, with excellence, setting an example for many to follow.
Olga held fast to a Biblical Worldview and was a strong, outspoken voice for Israel and the Jewish community. As the CEO of DEISI International, she fearlessly and tirelessly fought for the establishment of ties between Israel and South Africa, with conviction, and insight beyond her years on some complicated diplomatic issues. She was a protagonist for the advancement of a Godly government in South Africa and played a pivotal leadership role in developing the ACDP Youth Foundation, during her tenure as a leader of the youth wing of the party. As an innovative, disciplined, focused and results driven leader, she excelled academically and proved herself as a brave young minister of the truth of the word of God. This she did, unashamedly and unapologetically so.
During the 2024 National/Provincial elections, Olga left the comfort of her home in the USA, to assist the ACDP in our election campaign. This was a demonstration of the love she had not only for the ACDP but for South Africa as well. She answered the question: “if the foundations of law and order have collapsed, what can the righteous do?”, by rising and becoming a part of the solution to the challenges faced by South Africa and the world.
Her efforts and contribution to her country, South Africa, the ACDP and Israel as a nation are immeasurable. Only eternity will reveal the immensity of her commitment to God, family, country and the numerous lives she touched during her stay on earth.
Olga was an outstanding woman, wife and mother. She was married to Joshua Washington, and they were blessed with two sons, whom she loved dearly.
On behalf of our supporters, members and the leadership of the ACDP, we offer our sincere condolences to our ACDP President, Dr. Meshoe, and First Lady, Ma Wonkie. To Olga’s siblings, Esther and Joshua Meshoe, her husband, Joshua Washington, their sons and the extended Meshoe and Washington family, our hearts are with you during your time of mourning.
Olga may have passed on, but yet, her life still speaks. Her days on earth may have been cut short, but her love and passion for God, family and people, will be the legacy she leaves behind for all to emulate.
We ask that the family be given the necessary space and privacy to be able to mourn the passing of their loved one and leave this scripture as an encouragement to all: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15
Hamba kahle sisi wethu, hamba kahle.
