A champion of positivity, Ontlametse Phalatse, dies days after her 18th birthday .

.
Ontlametse Phalatse passed away on Tuesday night at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa, outside Pretoria. The 18-year-old was one of two South African girls living with a rare genetic disorder. Progeria causes rapid aging.
.
.
Her doctors predicted that she would only survive until her 14th birthday. Last month, President Jacob Zuma fulfilled her wish to meet him. The Phalatse family has released a statement, saying Ontlametse was surrounded by her mother, brother, family members and friends.
.
.
"It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of our first lady, Ontlametse Ntlami Phalatse," read the statement. "Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness but Ontlametse -- as we know her -- would want us to carry on with her courageous spirit."