Although he has never seen someone experiencing an asthma attack, a Gr. 4 learner of the Sediba Academy in Kuruman kept calm and assisted his teacher when she was not able to breathe.
On Thursday (03/03), Victor Mazodze (10) and his classmates were under Anja du Preez’s supervision during break time.
Du Preez started eating an apple, but choked. The other learners were playing and did not notice her predicament.
He went to Du Preez and calmly told her to relax and swallow, after which he asked how he could assist. She indicated that she needed her inhaler from her desk. Victor rushed over to her desk in her classroom, found the inhaler and rushed back to her.
“I was diagnosed with asthma a few weeks ago. It is still something I must get used to,” Du Preez says.
“Since second break started, Victor was with me. He kept asking questions on random topics. Looking back I can see God’s hand protecting me, him being there and asking random questions. I’m so proud of Victor staying calm throughout all that happened.
“For sure I believe he chose God’s peace in the situation to keep calm and help,” she says.
After using the inhaler, her lungs and throat opened up. Du Preez then asked Victor if he was alright.
“He said yes, but he was scared – it was the first time he had witnessed something like that. I told him I was sorry that he had to see it, but I was glad he had been there and that he stayed calm,” Du Preez remarks.
Victor told NoordkaapBulletin that although he had felt scared, he was happy that “ma’am is OK”.
Gillian Buys, headmistress of Sediba Academy (Primary), says chills went down her spine when she heard what had happened.
“I am super proud to be part of an amazing group of teachers and respectful children.”
Buys has thanked Victor for his fast thinking and quick reaction.
Victor, the son of Taona Sam and Ronia Mazodze, says his favourite school subjects are Natural Science, Technology and English.
It comes as no surprise to hear that he wants to be a doctor when he is grown up.
