The South African girl, Ontlametse Phalatse, who was living
with Progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes rapid ageing has died at age
18.
She died on Tuesday at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital
in Ga-Rankuwa‚ outside Pretoria. Phalatse was one of two South African girls
living with Progeria.
When alive, she described herself as 'the first lady' after she
became the first black child in South Africa to be diagnosed with Progeria and
was regarded as an inspiring figure and a miracle child after outliving
doctors’ predictions by four years.
President Jacob Zuma has sent his condolences to the family
of Ontlametse.
"A brave young
fighter has fallen. May her spirit inspire all others living with disabilities
or facing any difficulty, to soldier on as she did and live life to the
fullest. We are really proud of her." He said
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