South African girl, Ontlametse Phalatse with rare genetic disorder that causes rapid ageing dies at 18

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