A memorial service for South Africa’s much-loved Ontlametse Phalatse was held today at Mmanotshe Moduane High School in Hebron, North West.
Ontlametse was one of the two South African young women living with Progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes rapid ageing at a very early age.
She died last Tuesday, at the age of 18, at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa after experiencing breathing difficulties.
#OntlametseMemorial: Ungithatha la angibeke la. Oh we celebrate the life of bright Ontlametse Phalatse. @News24 pic.twitter.com/VrqVzK9X7o
— Amanda Khoza (@MandaKhoza) April 19, 2017
#OntlametseMemorial: Artist Lebani Sirenje, makes a special piece of Ontlametse Phalatse during the memorial service. @News24 pic.twitter.com/Sk8njadSwT
— Amanda Khoza (@MandaKhoza) April 19, 2017
#OntlametseMemorial: Remembering the first lady, Ontlametse Phalatse in Hebron. @News24 pic.twitter.com/OidRp11QYv
— Amanda Khoza (@MandaKhoza) April 19, 2017
#OntlametseMemorial: Ontlametse's friend Beandri and her mum, @BeaBooysen have also come to pay TV work respects. @News24 pic.twitter.com/Amd5KElRxs
— Amanda Khoza (@MandaKhoza) April 19, 2017
Doctors had predicted she wouldn’t live past the age of 14.
Last week Wednesday, during his birthday celebration, President Jacob Zuma presented Ontlametse’s family with a car and said he’d build them a house, a wish Ontlametse had expressed to Zuma before she died.
Her funeral will take place on Friday in Hebron.