President to attend Ontlametse’s funeral
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma is expected to attend today’s funeral service for teenager Ontlametse Phalatse, who lost her battle to progeria, an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes rapid ageing from a young age.
“President Jacob Zuma will tomorrow attend the funeral service of the late Miss Ontlametse Phalatse, one of two South African teens who lived with progeria,” the Presidency said in a statement yesterday.
Progeria is also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.
Ontlametse, 18, died last Tuesday at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Rankuwa after experiencing breathing difficulties.
Her doctors did not think she would survive to see her 14th birthday.
But on March 25 Ontlametse turned 18 after finishing her matric.
Her ambition was to see her family living in a decent house and owning a car.
During his 75th birthday celebration a week ago, Zuma presented the teenager’s family with a car.
Last month, he fulfilled her other wish, which was to meet him on her 18th birthday.
This past Wednesday, family and friends of Ontlametse gathered at Mmanotshe Moduane High for a memorial service.
Despite being aware of her short life expectancy, Ontlametse lived out her days to the full and as a result, she inspired many of those suffering with terminal illnesses to do the same.
“Ontlametse will be remembered for her sharp intellect, warm personality, brilliant ideas and her determination to use her condition to motivate others that they can achieve their goals regardless of any challenges,” the Presidency said.
Johanna Maswanganyi from the Department of Human Settlements said she had visited Ontlametse’s home a day before she died.
Maswanganyi said her department would fulfil its promise to build the teen’s mother a house.
The Presidency said Zuma also remained committed to fulfilling his undertaking to help the Phalatse family obtain a house.
Ontlametse’s funeral will be held at Stand 696 Motseng Section, Hebron Village, from 6.30 to 10am. – ANA