DJ and sangoma, Tumi Motsoeneng, better known as Gogo Skhotheni and her estranged husband, Monde Shange are mourning the loss of their three-year-old baby, Monde Junior, who passed away yesterday.
Gogo Skhotheni shared the news in a statement with ZiMoja where she confirmed Monde Jr’s passing. “It is with profound sadness that the Motsoeneng and Shange families confirm the passing of Monde Jr Shange. Monde Jr departed this life at 15:00 on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at Busamed Modderfontein Private Hospital,” she said.
“The families kindly request privacy as they navigate this deep and painful loss. We ask for your understanding and compassion in giving them the space they need during this difficult time of grieving.”
Gogo Skhotheni has in the past spoken up about her son’s health struggles. She shared a heartbroken message on his second birthday. “Monde Jr, you’ve been at that hospital bed ever since. You know all the nurses, doctors, and cleaners; we are now planning your second birthday. Are you still there?” She said during her pregnancy, she had complications and Monde Jr was born prematurely, after a seven-month pregnancy. After struggling to breathe, doctors rushed him to the ICU after two hours.
“Monde Jr was born without the tube that transports food to the stomach, had many surgeries, and used a machine to eat,” she said. “God is testing the wrong woman.’ She said she will forever love her son. “God made a joke game, AmaDlozi kept quiet, they saw me in pain daily but they all did nothing. My faith is not shaken even by a snake, they know I would cross the ocean for them.”
ADVERSITIEs
Gogo Skhotheni and Monde’s journey hasn’t been easy, and her family has faced adversities. Monde Jr has been in the intensive care unit for almost two years. Her relationship with her husband has also been on and off following abuse allegations. “A lot has happened. My son has been sick for a long time, but I have given my life to God and will still heal,” she said.