Zuma and fellow mourners attend funeral of Ontlametse Phalatse

21 April 2017 - 11:02 By Kgaugelo Masweneng
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Ontlametse Phalatse was laid to rest in her hometown Hebron. File photo.
Ontlametse Phalatse was laid to rest in her hometown Hebron. File photo.
Image: Boikhutso Ntsoko

Ontlametse Phalatse‚ a “pint-sized dynamite” that lived life to the fullest‚ was laid to rest on Friday morning in her hometown Hebron in the North West province.

Phalatse‚ the first black child in the world to have been diagnosed with the genetic condition Progeria Syndrome‚ was fondly remembered for her bravery.

  • Humour and laughter as Ontlametse Phalatse fondly rememberedHumour and laughter reigned at the memorial service for motivational speaker and progeria sufferer Ontlametse Phalatse on Wednesday. 

Phalatse’s brother‚ Tshimologo‚ spoke of his loss and how he will always miss her courage and bravery.

“I will remember her for the love she had for God and how she always comforted us‚” he said.

  • A sad farewell to Ontlametse 'first lady' PhalatseProgeria girl lived with a deadly disease, but did so with unique zest and humour  

The 18-year-old died last week‚ shortly after her birthday. One of her last wishes was to meet President Jacob Zuma‚ who recently granted her requested.

Zuma was also at the funeral on Friday.

  • 'You get a car!' Zuma does an Oprah on his birthdayLast month President Jacob Zuma met a young supporter‚ Ontlametse Phalatse‚ who was supposed to attend his birthday celebration on Wednesday night in Kliptown‚ Soweto. 

Other high-profile mourners included gospel singer Rebecca Malope and North West premier Supra Mahumapelo.

Ontlametse was born with Progeria‚ a rare disease that accelerates ageing. Doctors had predicted that she would die around the age of 14.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now