WATCH: National Down Syndrome Day: A celebration of uniqueness
Today is National Down Syndrome Day. This annual event aims to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down Syndrome - while shattering the many misconceptions surrounding the condition.
It's one of the most common genetic conditions in the world, yet the misconceptions, prejudices, and taboos surrounding Down Syndrome persist.
In South Africa, one in every 500 babies is born with the condition, which is caused by the triplication of the 21st chromosome in the body. This mean that a person with Down Syndrome has 47 chromosomes - compared to the 'normal' occurence of 46 chromosomes in others.
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The Down Syndrome Association of KZN hopes to to raise awareness about the condition, and dispel the many myths and mistruths about it.
The association's Angie Govindsami says a lack of education has resulted in social prejudices against people with Down Syndrome - which often results in them being ostracized by society.
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"First of all, Down Syndrome is not an illness. People who are born with Down Syndrome do not suffer from it. They should be treated normally. as you would any other person, and they should be given a chance in society," she said.
Govindsami says there are many exceptional people with the condition who continue to live full and productive lives.
One such person is Macklin Reddy (36), who as a person with Down Syndrome, leads a normal life. He's married, drives his own vehicle, and has a full-time job.
Watch the video below to learn more about Macklin, and how he's managed to shatter stereotypes about his condition - by not allowing it to define him.