Ontlametse, SA's only female with Progeria passes on at 18

South African's only black female Ontlametse Phalatse, with the premature ageing disease has passed away.
She suffered from Progeria; a rare genetic disorder which causes a child's body to age fast.
Ontlametse Phalatse who recently turned 18, was expected to live until the age of 14 by doctors.

Phalatse had a dream to see the SA's president before her 18th birthday which became a reality two days before her birthday, March the 25th.

President Jacob Zuma surprised Phalatse with a birthday cake and a basket of flowers during her visit with him.

The news of her demise broke on her facebook page with the post:

"It is with great sadness [that we] inform you of the passing of our first lady, Ontlametse Ntlami Phalatse. She experienced breathing difficulties yesterday and was rushed to Hebron Clinic, then was referred to Dr George Mkhari,” a statement on Phalatse’s Facebook page read.

“The doctors did everything possible to save her, but unfortunately she passed on. She was surrounded by her mother, brother, family members and friends. The Phalatse family and Ontlametse Phalatse Trust would like to thank the nurses at Hebron Clinic and the staff at Dr George Mkhari for their compassion and their effort in trying to save her.

“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness, but Ontlametse, as we know her, would want us to carry on with her courageous spirit. We will miss you sorely, Tsontso, our first lady. May you find eternal peace among the angels. Rest in Peace Ntlami.”

Funeral and Memorial service to celebrate the life of  young Ontlametse Phalatse

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ontlametse Phalatse, will be held on Wednesday at Mmanotshe Moduane High School in Hebron at 14:00, according to what the family said.

Her aunt, Maureen Moropa, told a media house on Tuesday that the funeral service would take place at the family home at 696 Motseng Section, Hebron Village, on Friday from 06:30 to 10:00.

The morning she died, she had gone to town with her mother to pick up a tailor-made outfit that she was expected to wear at President Jacob Zuma's 75th birthday celebrations, the 18 year-old Phalatse was supposed to be a special guest at Zuma's birthday, on Wednesday night.

One of her desires was to meet President Jacob Zuma and when the pair met in March, the charming teen told Zuma that she wanted a house for her mother, a car and money to go the US to see her doctors.

On his birthday, Zuma fulfilled one of her wishes by handing over a car to the family. He said he was saddened by Phalatse's death and would make sure that a home is built for the family