Ontlametse Phalatse outlived her doctors’ expectation when she passed on at barely 18 years on. Because of Progeria which is a condition that causes her to age abnormally, doctors had predicted that she would not age past 14 years.
In her bucketlist, she had wished to visit South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma. Which president Zuma granted Phalatse.
But Zuma did not just grand her a visit, instead he organized for a celebration of her birthday on 25th March this years. Sad enough she passed away few days after the meeting.
A statement from the family read as below
“It is with great sadness to 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. 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,” read the statement.
