Five years ago, we reported on the heartbreaking story of a young Limpopo man, Nkoma Admire Mninginisi, whose unexplained condition caused him to age rapidly and appear significantly older than his actual age.
At the time, Nkoma was 26 years old, originally from Giyani, Limpopo, and living in Tembisa, Gauteng.
Sharing his story then, Nkoma revealed that he had been born healthy and enjoyed a normal childhood, but everything changed when he turned 15 years old in 2010.
He explained that he began experiencing painful swelling in his joints, and despite repeatedly seeking medical attention over the years, he never received clear answers about what was happening to his body.
“I was born normal and healthy and had a normal childhood like any other kid till I started experiencing some difficulties at the age of 15 in 2010. My joints started swelling up and I seeked for medical attention ever since but never really got any help till today,” he said at the time.
Nkoma also shared how the condition gradually worsened, affecting his quality of life and depriving him of much of his youth.
Now, in a case that has left many South Africans emotional, another person appears to be facing a similar journey.
Snenhlahla Khoza, a 31-year-old woman from Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal, has recently sparked widespread concern after sharing her own devastating health struggle, saying she began experiencing major physical changes and rapid ageing from around the age of 27.
Images of Snenhlahla shared online have sparked widespread discussion, with many shocked by claims that she now appears significantly older than her biological age.
Speaking publicly about her condition, Snenhlahla said doctors allegedly informed her that her skin and internal organs — including her heart — had been damaged, but were unable to determine the exact illness affecting her.
According to her, doctors reportedly told her that the condition may be genetic, and suggested that specialists outside South Africa might be better equipped to help.
The mother also opened up about the emotional toll of her illness, saying she now struggles to care for her small child, while her elderly mother has had to take care of her instead.
Snenhlahla has since appealed to the public for prayers, medical assistance and support, saying she hopes to one day regain her health.
Her story, first highlighted by Thuleleni TV, has also sparked public speculation, with some linking her condition to witchcraft and traditional beliefs following a past relationship.
Snenhlahla herself has claimed she suspects her condition began after a relationship with a foreign national ended, alleging that her health deteriorated shortly afterwards.
However, there is no publicly available medical evidence supporting supernatural claims, and no official diagnosis has been publicly confirmed.
Medical discussions online have instead pointed to Werner syndrome, a rare condition often called adult progeria, which is associated with accelerated ageing and age-related complications appearing much earlier than expected.
While it remains unclear exactly what condition either Nkoma or Snenhlahla may be suffering from, their stories continue to raise awareness about the realities faced by people living with rare and poorly understood medical conditions.
