Sasol Bendor staff celebrate World Down syndrome day.
POLOKWANE – Employees of the Sasol Bendor filling station celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on Monday (March 21) by wearing funky socks.
The day is celebrated annually on March 21 and its date signifies the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st human chromosome. This triplication causes Down syndrome, which is also referred to as Trisomy 21.
Manager Ryan Geldenhuys lost his daughter, Minke, who was born with Down syndrome, two years ago and decided to raise awareness at his place of work.
“We all wore funky socks to work today to show we support those with the condition. I do it in memory for Minke who always made me smile in her short life span.”
Sasol Bendor owner Johan Potgieter, fully supported the idea. “This is Sasol Bendor’s way of helping raise awareness for those with Down syndrome.”
Ryan said his dream is to open a coffee shop where people with Down syndrome will get training to equip them for the working world.
Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard
