ONTLAMETSE CHARMS ZUMA
Meeting the president was on her bucket list and she bowled him over
‘FIRST lady” Ontlametse Phalatse and “her Number 1” President Jacob Zuma smiled, laughed and chatted like old friends.
The two met at the presidential home Mahlamba Ndlopfu in Pretoria yesterday afternoon, after relentless attempts by the Ontlametse Trust.
The elfin girl, diagnosed with the pre-aging disease progeria, had mentioned that meeting Zuma was on her bucket list this year.
Ontlametse, of Hebron in Pretoria, brought a big personality and bright smiles to the meeting. She explained that she was the first lady, because she was the first (recorded) black child with the progeria disorder.
“I call myself a first lady, because I’m the first black child with this disease. Which other black child do you know with this disease?”
Ontlametse was diagnosed with the rare, fatal genetic condition that accelerates the ageing process when she was a young girl.
It was in 2009 that she was diagnosed and told she would not live beyond the age of 13.
The disorder leaves those suffering from it unable to reach their midteens and rarely reaching their 20s. It is a genetic condition that occurs as a new mutation, and is rarely inherited as carriers usually do not live to reproduce.
Zuma was visibly moved during the “birthday meeting”, where they shared cake and drank together.
He said her story was one of hope and triumph. “She is so bubbly and articulate, a clear indication that she doesn’t feel pity for herself. I must say, I am really inspired by her attitude and fighting spirit,” said Zuma.
She on the other hand, said with her infectious laugh: “Well, I am excited that I am really here… at the same time nervous.
“Meeting the president has always been on my bucket list, so now I can finally tick it off my list of things to do,” she added.
Meeting the president was on Ontlametse’s list of things to do before she turned 18. And on her birthday tomorrow, she will be celebrating a milestone, which no one thought she would reach.
“I don’t care what people say about me,” she said, adding that she wanted to become a psychologist to help people with their problems.
She recently matriculated and made her family proud, receiving huge accolades from across the country and from people who wondered if she would live a normal life.
Zuma presented her with a bouquet and a huge cake. He vowed that his foundation would look into some of her needs.
A member of the Ontlametse Trust, Bonginkosi Ngubane, gave a heart-warming speech about how Ontlametse was celebrated and treated like a celebrity, but not really helped by the public.
“People take photos with her and want to hang around her to draw attention, but don’t help towards her health,” he said.
Ngubane said to date the foundation had only R31 000, which was barely enough to cover her medical expenses.
“We appreciate the attention because it shows support, but this beautiful young girl is also in need of financial assistance,” said Ngubane.
Some of her needs are a safe and secure house for her and her mother, Bellon Phalatse.
They live in a house in Hebron, which they deem unsafe.
The president promised to organise reliable transport for Ontlametse, who is constantly visiting doctors because of her condition.
She suffered a broken hip as a result of public transport, and has to rely on taxis to go for her medical check-ups.
Her dream is to become a life coach and motivational speaker.