Entertainment Africa
The news about the death of the veteran Jwara actor broke the internet earlier today and the family of late acting veteran Washington Sixolo have come out clear about his death disclosing that his condition was out of doctor’s hands because they could not perform a potentially life-saving operation due to his age and medical history.
The actor, who played the role of Jwara in Emzini Wezinsizwa, died in a Johannesburg hospital on Sunday morning after a long battle with numerous illnesses.
Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Washington’s son Zolani said the family was devastated by his father’s death and were trying to find comfort.
“We are saddened by his death but we draw comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain. We have had messages of support from all over the country and we are so grateful for the comfort these have given us at this difficult time,”Zolani said.
He said that his father had been struggling with numerous illnesses for some time but the family became seriously concerned with his condition on Saturday when he started vomiting and was unresponsive.
“He was breathing but was not responsive. It was like he had fainted. We immediately called the ambulance and they took him to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. It crossed my mind that I might lose my father at that point but, as a family, we were praying for him to recover,” Zolani added.
Doctors rushed to help Washington and immediately suspected that he had bleeding on the brain. Test results later confirmed their suspicions.
“Doctors wanted to operate on him to treat the bleeding but his age and some of the medicine he was taking made it difficult for them. They said that if they operated there was a very good chance that he would not survive the procedure. All they could do was make him comfortable and hope that his condition would somehow improve,” Zolani added.
A few hours later, surrounded by his wife and children, Washington died.
“My mother is trying to be strong but you can see how heartbroken she is. They were married for 56 years,” Zolani said.
He thanked the nation for the love they had given Washington over the years and asked them to keep his family in their prayers.
“My father was much more than just an actor and a musician. He was a loving father and a caring husband,” Zolani added.
A memorial service for Washington will be held at the Uncle Tom’s Hall in Orlando, Soweto on Thursday afternoon.
His funeral will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Orlando West on Sunday.
