Goodwill Ramothata, 21, who suffered from xeroderma pigmentosum, died on May 16 at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg.

Doctors believed that Ramothata's disease compromised his body's ability to repair damage caused by ultraviolet light, which meant his skin was too sensitive to the sun and he was forced to stay indoors all the time.

Ramothata had been in and out of hospital all his life.

He began his treatment at the Masakhane clinic in Alexandra, and was then referred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. He was then referred to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where he underwent more than 10 operations.

His father Matome said: "My son is now resting and all I want is to give him a decent funeral. May his soul rest in peace".

In 2010 he couldn't continue with Grade 10 because of the illness. When Sowetan interviewed him last month about his education, he said: "It became hard to concentrate. The tumours were growing out of control and I was in constant pain, sleeping once in a while".

He had been receiving care in hospital for about a month before he died.

Ramothata was born with the condition and wore a towel around the face and head to cover his wounds. The skin at the back of his head was so corroded it revealed his skull.

In one of the many interviews he had with Sowetan, Ramothata shared his passions and aspirations. He wanted to be a music producer and he was passionate about technology. One of his many wishes was to meet DJ Sbu.

He also wanted to create his own website on which he would sell his music and interact with fans.

Ramothata had a 11-track hip-hop and R&B demo, which he wrote and recorded himself.

In one of the tracks he sings: "I know it's hard but you have to be brave, hold on to tomorrow, there will be no more sorrow".

In his music he sings mostly about his condition and how he was looking forward to living a healthy and normal life.

Ramothata will be buried tomorrow at Waterval Cemetery in Midrand. - lerato@sowetan.co.za

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Sat May 25 16:25:02 SAST 2013 ::

May 21, 2012

NevusAuvius

Rest in peace mfana atleast u recorde a cd,your friends and family will remember ka yona cd e.
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May 21, 2012

Punkies

My heartfelt & sincere condolences to the family. He was lucky to have such parents who loved & supported him unconditionally. May his soul rest in peace.
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May 21, 2012

Knoxmann

He is better off, no one deserves living under such conditions. Uphumulile!
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May 21, 2012

ladygaga

may his soul rest in peace :-(
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May 21, 2012

modudi

askies...rest in peace...u have had ur purpose here and now it was ur time to pass to the other end...
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May 21, 2012

MommaC

Travel well, young man. I hope that the journey takes you to a more gentle place.
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May 21, 2012

JUBJUB

RIP
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May 21, 2012

bodylicious

May his soul rest in peace, ur at the right hand of our father God now no more pain #tearyeyes#
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May 21, 2012

Decibels

RIP son of the soil....
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May 21, 2012

LERATOLANNA

ja ne... crying
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