George Building Collapse | Survivor speaks of ordeal

It's 6 days since the multi-storey apartment building collapsed in George.
Forty people still remain unaccounted for, 13 others are in hospital and 13 have died. SABC News Reporter Vanessa Poonah and video journalist Clinton Cerf are covering the story. Let's cross to them...
For more news, visit sabcnews.com and #SABCNews on all Social Media platforms.

[@LesleyLangham]

Oh man, this must have been so traumatic. So glad you survived. Sending you much strength and love ❤❤❤

[@butterygold]

Imagine being trapped for so long with a deceased man at your feet and when you manage to call someone they didn’t answer. That in itself must feel like abandonment even though it was not intentional.

[@manicmaggie]

It must have been traumatic and the suffering must have been immense.

[@pontshomosiea6187]

The man has a strong character believe and hope ;28hours is not a child's play without light,food and water

[@Littlemisk]

😢 This is why I don't like people who close data and stay away from their phones.... Man they took long to get back to him

[@leoniea138]

Praying for the rest of the team ...

[@nomalungelongcete5875]

Of course 🙏

[@leoniea138]

It's like nobody knows about the imminent crash ....my goodness ...do people not read the internet ? The biggest crash in history ,, worse that 1929 depression coming...Trump warned the world right in the beginning of his Presidency and its happening now.....do people not know this ?

[@Arti-ficiallyChi]

My heart going out to Delvin seeing him crying ad his father speaking❤❤

[@WendyBost]

Delvon - I wish that I could give you a big hug - Sending you and your family much love during this time. You must please speak to a professional counselor on an ongoing basis as this traumatic experience will linger for some time. Glad you are safe!

[@noravanwyk5460]

I cannot even remotely imagine how traumatic this experience must have been for this young man . I am just truly grateful that he is alive . I am sure that he would definitely need some trauma counselling. 😢

[@andileklaas683]

I also couldn't hold back my own tears as I was was listening to the survivor's father. I'm also praying for a miracle. A big thank you to all the rescue workers.

[@JeanneFourie-kh3hh]

Whoever Delvin's employer is, I take my hat off to him in respect, regarding how he handled the situation and how transparent, compassionate and pro-active he was.

[@thubelihlesphelele7901]

No he wasn't he took two days to named in the news coz he knew he is using cheap materials, illegal foreigners with no minimum wage. Typical white/DA behavior

[@DoreenJohnstone-gy9mv]

Thank goodness you were found and survived. Praying for full recovery.

[@suganmoodley6475]

This is so painful to watch. Just glad we have some survivors of this horrific incident.

[@user-ni5gn9jh5e]

😢 this is so sad, just my tears too, praying for those whose members are still under trapped 😢

[@moetikitso72]

Wow. Is it just me or does the reporter sound very cold for interviewing someone who experienced such an ordeal.

[@laudigerber9729]

Agree 100%. It's sad. 😢😢

[@neiljosephbennett9119]

Totally agree - our media coverage is cringeworthy, to say the least!

[@k1k992]

No not cold at all. The reporter has limited time to capture all. She managed to capture all in a limited period. Well done!

[@lizanel4818]

Disagree ... if you look closely, you could see her getting emotional as well ... this must've been one of her most difficult intreveiws of her whole career as a reporter. As part of her job, she is suppose to distance herself from any emotions. I think she did a wonderful job, especially at the end, touching his shoulder, and aslo stopping the interveiw ... hats off to you, Ma'am

[@doremi131]

Besides, it's been a week already, so at least he is out of the shock a bit.

[@clairetomkyns175]

Delvin's dad went to the scene as soon as possible. I think of all the families of victims in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and other parts of SA who can't be in George.

[@leilahjoy9553]

😢

[@bekosithole9321]

This interview was not carried out in a dignified manner, it lacks so much humility. The SABC could have done so much better. It's distasteful.

[@sasvanwyk5886]

You want the interview to be carried out in a dignified manner without pride grace and dignity, iow, a humble manner, with humility. This is a tall order! Glad you were not my teacher. I found the interview informative - as it should be

[@mandisahlongwane1483]

​@sasvanwyk5886 Yes, it's informative but she was bombarding him with questions even when she could tell that he was overwhelmed, I think that's what they mean

[@sasvanwyk5886]

@@mandisahlongwane1483 I think she wanted him to describe his ordeal as best he could to entertain viewers. This is what tv is mostly about.

[@Bigscore_23]

How can she ask “why are you emotional at this time” like really interviewer?? That’s a low IQ question

[@jillfisher2585]

You know this is so insensitive & intrusive towards Delvin with your stupid questions....give him space to heal & grieve....the media is without conscience

[@Rose4Him5]

I am shocked at the way this interview was conducted.

[@watchingforvibes]

It is very insensitive. It's so appalling

[@OscarDunn-yb9is]

...my thoughts exactly...why do you ask him why is he emotional...it's very obvious...

[@gaoneanitamolosiwa1696]

Tell me please, is he standing while intervewed. Its a big mistake if they are not provided with chairs yet they are asked unending questions about a serious accident that traumatised them.

[@colourinmyrainbow]

I agree. This was a heartless interview.

[@Jada_summer211]

There is a couch behind him

[@noreenhills2433]

I cannot believe the questioning technique or lack thereof. The journalist was really not equipped to hold the interview. And please don;t tell me its her job. Pushing Delvon while we can all see he is traumatised, is not the way to do this. Shocking

[@moetikitso72]

​@noreenhills2433 I agree, she was very cold. Too cold. No emotion or sensitivity.

[@andreaadelbert7683]

@@colourinmyrainbow totally agree and Delvin should of had a chair and taken off the screen after been questioned.

[@rosariccardo3529]

Delvin is a very brave young man who deserves all the love and support he needs. I appreciate that the interviewer needed a story, but I think she also needs sensitivity training. I watched the clip because I was so glad to learn about a survivor, but I cringed at her questioning style. I left with the impression that she would do anything for a story ("Move over, Delvin! I want to speak to your father!", leaving him standing forlornly after describing his ordeal through barely contained tears.) Traumatised people are vulnerable and they deserve respect, dignity and care. And if as a reporter part of your job involves interacting with them you have a responsibility to equip yourself to provide that. It's only fair if you are asking them to give you something.

[@funkdunk]

He definitely needs to get that counseling support that has been offered, he has been through a traumatic experience and it seems that he is struggling with survivor's guilt.

[@user-mn9bn6se9k]

😢😢😢

[@Honeybee897]

What is survivor's guilt? Please educate me.

[@tiffrknee]

@@Honeybee897 the only thing he saw besides darkness was his colleague at his feet who passed. It’s possible he could feel a tremendous amount of guilt for being able to live and continue on with his life. Its a common result of situations where someone survives a situation others didnt. I pray counsellors reach out to him and dont wait for him to contact them

[@Honeybee897]

@@tiffrknee thank you very much for sharing and educating me on that. Believe me I never had an idea of what survivor's guilt was.

[@tiffrknee]

@@Honeybee897 it sounds awful from what I’ve read. It could ruin people’s lives because they feel guilty for the smallest things, for example, eating breakfast. It triggers this guilt that they dont deserve the breakfast they’re eating because the other person will never have breakfast again. Its not conscious but it plays out in every aspect of their lives. I pray he is able to work through his trauma and finds peace.

[@laurenkinghorn]

What a traumatic experience to go through. I can imagine how elated his Dad must have been and can also understand how difficult it must be for Delvin to feel happy to be alive when friends have passed away or not been found yet. Sending peace, love and healing to all involved. ❤

[@leoniea138]

Glad you are safe sir ...sending prayers and blessings ....

[@Rose4Him5]

SABC please train your journalists on how to do an interview with a person after such a traumatic experience.

[@clairetomkyns175]

I thought she asked questions that families of the victims want to know.

[@user-hc3bg8ui2w]

had the enca done this interview would you have such an issue?.

[@MrJakes1988]

​@@user-hc3bg8ui2wYES

[@k1k992]

Are you an expert on how to interview people subjected to this kind of trauma? The journalists did an excellent job in keeping our community updated.

[@gilbertdavies1182]

@@k1k992 Not sure why you're defending this heartless journalist.... nothing to do with the "industry" or7 time limits.... have a look at some of the other dignified iterviews to see the difference!!

[@dikolizaskk5847]

What a heartless question from this Vanessa asking the poor guy why he is emotional

[@makabongwekahla7150]

Nothing wrong with this interview. She was very polite and understanding. What do you want her to say?

[@mandisahlongwane1483]

There's nothing wrong with the question, it was a way for us to get into his head space and tap into his emotions but rather she's the wrong person to ask it, she lacks compassion and empathy, she's not a soft person at all

[@mbulelomankonkwana8038]

This interview is too soon...😢

[@gavinkywe1270]

found myself crying...when dad spoke

[@cig35661]

Very sad....what a traumatic incident all the best to Delvin & his family.

[@Visionery1]

We have no idea how traumatic this must've been for him and what 'movie' will replay in his head for years to come. Hopefully he will get the support he desperately needs, even though he's trying to portray an image of strength.

[@leoniea138]

Too many buildings going up way too fast in this town....its scary .....would not want to make use of those buildings

[@janetpretorius4604]

That is a very revealing comment. It is sad that corruption and greed are so easily traded for material wealth, which I suspect is the case.

[@TheYodellingqueen]

That is a very true statement! It's all over the Country though .. The Beautiful scenery and birdlife we once knew, jas had to make space amd place for building upon building 😢😢

[@LP-ei3xe]

I was asking my wife the other day, are these people who build in George working through the night or what, because with rate the buildings is popping up is unbelievable

[@tiffrknee]

@@LP-ei3xe they are. They work through the night on all these new developments

[@leoniea138]

@janetpretorius4604 I'm not to sure about corruption and greed in these contracts...I have no such info....but I am referring to my safety ....if a building goes up so fast and open in record time ,, I will feel unsafe ....and I can point to all the old Government buildings in our town ,, the school van Kervel , all the churches in this Diocese and Cathedral in Oudtshoorn and every other church in my town where my father worked as a Mason,, those buildings are solid ,, and I also refer to everything I was taught about buildings as a kid ,, and learning to read plans ....again I'm saying ,, it's too fast.....it's just not making sense on the level of safety and security ...I would worry ....

[@mb2952]

This poor young dad, trauma will haunt him a long time.I hope he gets the counseling he needs and his family too: Dad was very concerned from the start: cant imagine what they went through.This was a horrific tragedy. Thank the heavens that he is alive.I cannot imagine the trauma he has experienced.

[@TheKefmoth]

Please help this man with psychological counselling! Survivor guilt is deadly!

[@brianmills2750]

I really don't know how you could even go and interview him so soon after his ordeal shame on you have some compassion

[@shantibel]

Bless you Delvin, and bless the rescuers. So happy you survived. Love to you and your parents. What s dear dad.

[@aneneschreuder5820]

It is caller Survivors guilt.. .Hope you feel better soon and that more people will be rescued.

[@joanhenschel3511]

Hallelujah for this rescue.

[@colleenwait2637]

Glad you wer saved and Safe now so sorry about all the people who passed away condolences to all there families and loved ones 🙏

[@BlueyaSayayer-sy7gg]

THIS REPORTER!!!NO MAN Get well soon boeta wishing you the best ❤

[@LoverOfLife267]

The camera panning out to show Delvin crying is a bit ... I dunno how to explain it but it's coming across very exploitative 😢😢 do better

[@reinettbernardo2779]

I know this is not important in the grand scheme of things, but the interviewee should have positioned herself better alongside father & son during the interview. She now has her back to the survivor of such a huge rescue.

[@nutechousespinnaclehomes7963]

She is the, type of person who looks down on people, Devon please step aside for me, what a heartless human being.

[@svrensburg]

How could she asked why he is feeling emotional at this time? Really

[@sharongouveia3573]

Did they offer counselling

[@anitavm1951]

What a beautiful family, thank you for sharing.

[@colourinmyrainbow]

A callous interview! Delvon is left standing like a spare part and then the interviewer asks him why he is so emotional. FFS! He has to process an extremely traumatic event. This is heartless and dumb!

[@Jada_summer211]

This journalist is emotionless

[@brianmills2750]

Could not agree any more

[@noreenhills2433]

Totally agree. Shocking.

[@gilbertdavies1182]

Pathetic, all just about money making news flahes for them 😡🤬

[@moetikitso72]

I agree. Cold voice!

[@perthkraya3209]

So sorry for the loss of your colleague. It can't be easy.

[@markstemmett5296]

Not impressed with the lady doing the interview, very little empathy and inappropriate questions

[@tessakbrown]

Heartless

[@lu881]

Are you watching the same thing we're watching?

[@k1k992]

She has a lot of empathy but very little time to report. I guess if you are not in this industry you would not understand

[@leslenesantana7575]

Please lord help these people 👏👏

[@Vlogimo]

What a poorly prepared and trained reporter. You go off camera and ask your interviewee if they okay to proceed, you also stop and pan away from the subject if they become emotional to preserve their dignity. Who trains these people?

[@ingridsweeney1787]

I don’t know any of the people, but listening to this story there were tears running down my face. So glad Delvon is out. Well done to Delvon’s boss for organising for his parents to come to George and be with him

[@jezzaj4579]

The reporting is very poor. To have them interviewed in this manner in what I would assume is their own home comes across as insensitive and cold. You could have at least had them sitting down and not stand like soldiers in their own home. This is terribly traumatic for them. Come at me I don't care.

[@karaokequeen1924]

A trained psychologist or counselor should have been present at this interview to advise the interviewer how to handle it better. They should make that standard proceedure after such a traumatic event. ❤

[@user-bu1fv9sl2o]

My heart breaks for you. It is awesome that you are still with us, and very tragic that so many are no more. Tons of love to you and your family

[@johnconifer6150]

Very traumatic experience. Bless you.. Praying for those still under the rubble.

[@JoshuaMutize]

Thank you very much

[@KateCoppen]

❤ bless ..prayers to you and all those who went through this experience

[@tmz534]

Our hearts go out to you, ur colleagues and their families. Its devastating we r glad of the few that survived we pray they may be more survivors

[@mercykahla9739]

I think if he can open a go-fundme we can help him with the little that we have he needs proper counselling & needs to take some time off

[@charlottethokoa711]

I hope he gets counseling forPTSD

[@sarama-singhflovers7984]

Why was there no chair or a more suitable and comfortable place for this interview..this young man want through a painful and traumatic experience. Inconsiderate l would have to say

[@clairetomkyns175]

He might want to stand after all that lying in one position.

[@noreenhills2433]

Agree, and the more he became emotional the more she pushed. Shocking.

[@k1k992]

How would you have managed this interview? Easy to complain but a different situation when you are actually working on scene. You are not working on this scene so know nothing. Respect those that are actually doing the real work.

[@paulrowe9486]

@@k1k992 Garbage !!!!! She was totally insensitive !

[@beverleydutoit7576]

Dalvin you are very brave.

[@elbiedorman1266]

Daivon, that must be so traumatic with Mixed feelings of relief and anguish for your colleagues who are now gone and perhaps still alive and yet trapped under the rubble. We are praying for you and you loved ones and everyone involved with the rescue team.

[@Princelargo]

We give thanks for the help for those struck down and for Gods mercy

[@Zackthebrit1443]

Morning....u are a chosen....Delvin

[@Alexander-fw7st]

Yes, you are. What a lovely young man.

[@user-wu6oj2wu4j]

Well wishes to Delvin we proud of him for speaking out and we pray for a full recovery.

[@MirriamSofe-yj9pq]

Speedy recovery,we are praying for you and all you're colleagues and friends under the rubble and those recovering in hospital especially those who are critically injured.😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤

[@smcptrsa]

😢Oh man delvin sweetheart im so happy you are alive but im so sorry that you are mourning the loss of your friends and colleagues 😢

[@nutechousespinnaclehomes7963]

Devon, if you can step aside for me, what a heartless media SABC going all the way to tell a survivor the number of people who are still trapped to someone who is still not recovered that information alone can kill a person through shock, Are these journalists trained?

[@moetikitso72]

Heartless

[@paulrowe9486]

@@moetikitso72 She is a Real amateur ! UNFIT !!!

[@thandindimande3419]

How can Vanessa not interested in finding out about other person who he mentioned that was the one who responded when the rescue team when they're shouting for survivors. 😮😮

[@rsamom]

If she asked Delivin about it, it would have been more upsetting to him. Also I do not think they are allowed to give the names of the deceased yet, as many probably need to be officially identified.

[@faithnaidoo7647]

Oh!!.So it was an apartment building!!?.So can the joint or sole owner of this faulty construction come forward and explain themselves or himself.This tradgedy has brought deep pain to those working on thise construction.The whole of George is hurting.People must stop loving money at the cost of lives!!!.IMO

[@liespypolygraph]

I was not aware that there were any locals/South Africans working there. As far as I understand, the workers were from Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. This uncle is South African, so is his son.

[@PamelaMogwera]

This is so traumatic 😢😢😢😢😢unforgettable moment

[@mkhumbuzibiko5706]

Just listening to the father, my tears just ran down. Very emotional ....

[@jdp2801]

Praying for everyone 😢

[@carolanngelderbloem3209]

Thank you Jesus for saving this young man. We praise you

[@drows6156]

Strong one Delvin. Stay strong brother ❤❤❤❤ I can see Delvin takes care of his family

[@Princelargo]

Strongs. Wishing a full recovery

[@daniellemeiring580]

Delvin you are in our prayers...

[@kathyohara6658]

39....missing Another man has been rescued....

[@user-tq1ne6nc4i]

Cant help to cry with Delvin

[@andreochse9663]

Why no company named , why no owner named , why no contractor named

[@clairetomkyns175]

The company is Neo Trends, but many companies were subcontracted to perform different roles.

[@tiffrknee]

Terrible journalism. Insensitive. SABC please be sure to find delvin a counsellor. You have made him talk about something none of you have ever experienced and left him crying to the side for what? Views?? Awful

[@zanelemofikoe4800]

Not even a seat…

[@tiffrknee]

@@zanelemofikoe4800 terrible!! No consideration of him at all. Im shocked and appalled. Its bad enough his voicenotes are circulating social media.

[@jaydeedavids3559]

Sterkte boy

[@JohnEDow-jo2inBokke]

Glad you alive brother🙏. Heal well physically , emotionally and spiritually. Go well

[@sanengcobo8659]

What a nightmare. I hope they heal from the trauma.

[@leilahjoy9553]

Praying for the rest of the team 😢

[@chrisMchon]

Man this must be hard to go through

[@user-bx9ht7oz7f]

😮he is a living miracle❤

[@Mothercityguy]

JHB news ancor please dont ask silly stuff dont make this political you can see the man is emotional yet you ask about counselling etc the man is emotional he almost died

[@LeeCebos]

This is so traumatic , the need counseling ❤❤ I'M praying for all the families who lost their loved ones 🙏 and those who were still waiting to find their members of the family ❤❤

[@remilafakir7022]

Wow so grateful 🙏

[@angelag69]

Hugs to the family

[@AneleMgudlwa]

Prayers for families who and are going through this and thank you lord for the survives.

[@thecraftyzulu3824]

We are so thankful that he was found alive. The trauma though! You can see it in his face. His parent's' trauma. This is so sad and upsetting. May they all be healed from it. 🙏🏾

[@yolandanovember7656]

So emotional....it's only by God's grace 🙌

[@Itssophie277]

ANC sabc, REALLY! blocking the victim and interviewing the parent? no chair for the traumatized family? what a mess.

[@marlintaolivier1821]

Oh wow! Delwin please take all the help so you can be able to pick up the pieces, not just for yourself but also your family and all who did not make it. We pray for you 🙏

[@liviwefinca4284]

The questions are so irrelevant at this point because you’re making him relive an experience that cannot be explained by words.

[@chrisjpndala7576]

Speedy recovery 🙏 to you my brother

[@rochellescholtz1921]

Dankie Here ,hy het dit gemaak, my gebed gaan uit vir die res wat nog in die gebou is. Ek hoop en bid daar Sal nog lewendig slagoffers is.

[@SandraNaidoo-eh4oi]

Praying 🙏 🙏 over all

[@rabaroanamaphai6116]

Oh man 💔💔

[@Onalenna_Thobega]

Oh man… he’s traumatised 🫶🏾. So sorry

[@sylviabooysen4622]

It is so sad that we don’t have a 911 to call for help. 10111 are soooo unreliable 😩

[@silasramoroka8024]

Can't imagine the trauma

[@paulrowe9486]

A very insensitive reporter ! She really should find another career ! She is not cut out for this job !