Young Brave Fighter Takes A Bow

Despite losing the battle against her disorder at 18, Ontlametse Phalatse never allowed the condition to stand in the way of fulfilling her dreams

- Vincent Phahlane

ONTLAMETSE Phalatse recently passed away at the age of 18 due to progeria – a rare genetic disorder which causes accelerated aging. In her short-lived life, she managed to be one of the bravest people who beat the odds.

REMARKABLE WOMAN

Ontlametse first made headlines when she appeared on e.tv’s investigative show, 3rd Degree.

No one actually knows how many children in the world have progeria. In 2009, Ontlametse was the first black child to be diagnosed with the disorder in the world and was one of the only two girls with progeria in South Africa.

But she never allowed her situation to stand in her way of fulfilling her dreams. She was a remarkable woman who was determined to achieve a lot in her short life.

Ontlametse, who called herself the first lady, wanted to live her dream. She once said that God put her on this world for a purpose, and she has now learnt to accept her condition.

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