PREACHER’S NOTE 20 AUGUST 2023
Aaron Motsoaledi, Home Affairs minister for the Republic
of SA, was on a flight back from East London to Johannesburg
on Monday. He must have been sitting quietly
after a long day, trying to gather himself from the countless
meetings and crises that occupy a minister. There was
a commotion around someone in the cabin a little while
into the flight – typical of a medical emergency. A middle
-aged man had slumped unconscious in his seat, and the
crew were trying to revive him. “Is there a doctor on
board?” the announcer asked.
Aaron must have sat, knowing that he had a medical
degree and had previously practiced – but that was a
while ago, and maybe there was a currently practicing
doctor on board?
But, he got out of his seat and went to see if he could
help. The man was exhibiting all the signs of a diabetic
with low blood sugar – the people around him were trying
to get him to ingest a sugar solution, but he was past that.
Aaron said he could help. “Show us your medical practice
certificate” said one crew member suspiciously.
“Don’t be silly – that’s Aaron Motsoaledi, Home Affairs
minister and previously a medical doctor!” said another.
And Aaron showed them how to revive an unconscious
diabetes sufferer by rubbing glucose on their gums and
tongue. He then looked after the man until they had
landed and handed him over to the paramedics.
Well done Minister – you’re an inspiration. You got out of
your comfort zone, and revived some latent medical skills
to help a fellow traveller. Perhaps there’s a lesson in that
for us who are often so busy dealing with life that we
don’t look up and reach out to someone who needs our
help?
Blessing,
Andrew