SADNESS surrounded the Ramothata family of Alexandra as they buried their son who died from a rare genetic disorder.

Goodwill Ramothata died last week after a life-long battle with xeroderma pigmentosum.

He was buried yesterday at the Waterval Cemetery in Midrand.

The 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's mother could not contain her grief as her son's body was lowered into the ground.

Ramothata, 21, had been in and out of hospital his whole life. He began his treatment at the Masakhane clinic in Alexandra and was referred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

He was then referred to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg where he underwent more than 10 operations. He died on May 16 at the hospital.

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

He wanted to be a music producer and was passionate about technology. He also wanted to create his own website on which he would sell his music and interact with fans.

Ramothata had an 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.