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Remembrance Day: Why we should still honour those that lost their lives over 100 years ago
Some of the most touching moments from Ontlametse’s memorial
Ontlametse Phalatse was the only black female in South Africa diagnosed with progeria, a rare disease that causes children to age rapidly.
Zimbabwean artist Libani Sirenje painted a stunning portrait of Ontlametse at her memorial service today.
Phalatse was known for her courageous spirit and her determination to live her life despite the debilitating disease.
Last month she paid a special visit to President Jacob Zuma at his Mahlamba Ndlopfu Presidential House in the Bryntirion Estate in Pretoria.
Below are some of the best moments at her memorial service which took place on Wednesday.
An artist worked on a portrait of Phalatse at her memorial in full view of guests:
Artist, Lebani Sirenje, currently working on an artwork of Ontlametse at the #OntlametseMemorial pic.twitter.com/ued8HFbdcG
— CO4ZA (@co4za) April 19, 2017
The Tshwane Gospel Choir led a tribute in song:
Tshwane Gospel Choir opens the memorial service with a song #OntlametseMemorial @AfriNewsAgency pic.twitter.com/MaQCusXoTn
— Sinenhlanhla (@b_masilela) April 19, 2017
Her school teacher gave a touching tribute of how they first met:
#OntlametseMemorial – Ontlametsi’s school councilor reminiscing on how they both met.. pic.twitter.com/5O7dCA01B3
— Nontobeko Sibisi (@Nontobek0Sibisi) April 19, 2017
Phalatse’s wish to get a house for her family will be fulfilled government officials said at the memorial:
#OntlametseMemorial – One of Ontlametsi’s wish was to get a house for her family – Dep. of Human Settlements says it’s in talks pic.twitter.com/zskDjTy7VD
— Nontobeko Sibisi (@Nontobek0Sibisi) April 19, 2017
Phalatse’s memorial was trending on Twitter with many paying their respects for the brave soul that she was:
#OntlametseMemorial it is not a matter of duration its all about impact. She played her role and generation to come will know her.
— Kabelo Gift Kgang (@Kabelo_SirGift) April 19, 2017
Her courage & resilience was out of this world. A true inspiration. RIP baby girl. #OntlametseMemorial
— Liberty (@HazelKhabanyane) April 19, 2017
https://twitter.com/Mexen_Moyane/status/854740979638706176
#OntlametseMemorial a happy soul she was and precious memories she left…Much love #RIPOntlametse
— Dee 🇿🇦 (@Michell_Dee) April 19, 2017
She never prayed for anything besides thanking God for her life….. #OntlametseMemorial
— Show Them Flames Productions Africa (@ShowThemFlameSA) April 19, 2017
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