IT HAS been a role-reversal of sorts for Mpho Tau of Mahikeng, North West, since the collapse of the Synagogue Church of All Nations guesthouse in Lagos, Nigeria, nearly two months ago.

The 41-year-old social worker has been undergoing counselling since she survived the tragedy in Lagos on September 12.

The mother of three says she owes her fortitude to the Lord and the fact that she is a counsellor of people experiencing stressful situations.

Tau, who is adamant that she is coping well, spent more than 12 hours trapped underneath the rubble of the collapsed building between September 12 and 13.

She said God, "was with us throughout" the ordeal.

"I was about to sit down [at around lunch time] when I heard a loud bang and saw the walls crumble," she recalled.

"It suddenly became dark and everything fell on top of me. But the Lord was gracious at that moment because I saw a huge slab of concrete above me, but it did not touch me. It was like some divine power had suspended it above me.

"There were about 10 other people around me, all praying," she said. "Each minute had seemed like an eternity. We consoled each other and used cellphones as torches."

Tau said she later realised that she was on top of a pregnant woman who "believes I helped her and her unborn baby, but I believe it was God's mighty hand" at play.

By 7pm, Tau was exhausted and almost gave up. "But, at about 12am, I saw light, heard voices and thanked God because I knew that help had come at last."

victorm@sowetan.co.za

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