Gogo Skhotheni and Monde Shange mourn the heartbreaking loss of their son Monde Jr.

In a deeply sad turn of events, DJ and Sangoma Tumi Motsoeneng, widely known as Gogo Skhotheni, and her estranged husband Monde Shange are mourning the tragic loss of their three-year-old son, Monde Jr. According to ZiMoja, the little boy died at 3pm on Monday, 2 September 2024 at the Busamed Modderfontein Private Hospital.

Gogo Skhotheni shared the devastating news with ZiMoja ​​in a heartfelt statement, confirming the death of her beloved son. “It is with deep sadness that the Motsoeneng and Shange families confirm the passing of Monde Jr. Shange. Monde Jr. departed this life at 3pm on Monday 2 September 2024 at the Busamed Modderfontein Private Hospital,” she said. She further expressed the family's need for privacy during this incredibly painful time. “The families respectfully request privacy as they process this deep and painful loss. We ask for your understanding and compassion in giving them the space they need during this difficult time of grief.”

The loss of Monde Jr. is especially heartbreaking considering the many health issues he faced in his short life. Gogo Skhotheni has spoken about her son's struggles before, leaving a poignant message on his second birthday highlighting the many struggles he had to endure. “Monde Jr., you have been in that hospital bed since then. You know all the nurses, doctors and cleaners; we are now planning your second birthday. Are you still there?” she wrote.

Monde Jr's journey began with complications even before his birth. Gogo Skhotheni revealed that her pregnancy was full of difficulties, resulting in his premature birth at seven months. Shortly after his birth, Monde Jr was admitted to intensive care due to respiratory problems and faced numerous medical challenges, including being born without the tube that carries food to his stomach. Over the years, he has undergone multiple surgeries and has been dependent on a machine to feed him. Despite the hardships, Gogo Skhotheni's love for her son has remained unwavering. “God is testing the wrong woman,” she once said, expressing her frustration and pain. “God played a joke, AmaDlozi kept quiet, they saw me suffer daily but they all did nothing. My faith is not shaken even by a snake, they know I would cross the ocean for them.”

The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Gogo Skhotheni and her family. Monde Jr. spent nearly two years in intensive care and during that time the family's resilience was tested. The challenges also extended to her relationship with Monde Shange, which was turbulent, with periods of separation following allegations of abuse. Despite it all, Gogo Skhotheni remains true to her faith. “A lot has happened. My son was sick for a long time, but I have dedicated my life to God and I will still heal,” she said.

As the Motsoeneng and Shange families mourn the loss of Monde Jr., they ask for the public’s privacy and support during this time of deep grief.