A devastating fire destroyed a much-loved Durban restaurant but from the ashes has come an extraordinary story of courage and community rallying around a family who lost almost everything.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (04 September 2026) – Durban, you found him! Just hours after the call went out to help identify the mystery man who reportedly ran into the burning Delfi Greek Taverna to rescue a woman trapped inside, there has been an update: the hero has been identified as Ayakha Godlwana, a local chef from the Windermere Road vicinity.
This is the update so many people were hoping for.
The fire tore through the long-standing family-run Delfi Greek Taverna on Thursday afternoon, leaving the much-loved Durban restaurant extensively damaged. Maria Teranes managed to escape with her two dogs, but her sister was reportedly still inside the building. That was when a stranger stepped forward.
According to Murray from Durban Fire Operations, the man asked whether anyone was still inside and, after learning that Maria’s sister remained trapped, took off his shirt, asked for water to be poured over him and ran into the burning building. He brought Maria’s sister out safely and then disappeared from the scene before those involved could even properly identify him.
“We don’t know who this gentleman is, but he is a true hero and we need to find him,” Murray said in a voice note shared after the fire.
“Maria’s sister is alive because of what he did.”
The story spread rapidly as people shared the call to find the stranger who had stepped into an incredibly dangerous situation to help another person. Now, we know a little more about him… his name is Ayakha Godlwana and he is a local chef from the Windermere Road area.
And while Durban has found its hero, the community is also rallying around the family who lost so much in the fire. The official Delfi Facebook page has shared a crowdfunding campaign created by Linda Landsanakis to help Doddy, Maria and Manuel rebuild after losing not only their restaurant but their home and lifelong possessions.
“To all those who love Delfi, but more importantly, those who love Doddy, Maria and Manuel.. A devastating fire on 3 September took away not only the beloved Delfi restaurant, but all their lifelong possessions. Their home of 59 years is gone, along with all the beautiful memories.”
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“What was once a landmark called EFI Supermarket, became a second landmark being Delfi. It was not only a restaurant.. it was a home filled with love, kindness and warmth. They were left with the clothes on their backs.”
“Please let’s help them to rebuild – together we will ensure that we see those happy, smiling faces in no time at all!”
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A Classroom Without Walls: StillWater Kids Discover the Healing Power of NatureIn less than 24 hours, this story has moved from devastating loss to an extraordinary rescue, a city-wide search for a stranger and now a community coming together to help a family rebuild after losing almost everything.
The hero has been found. The helpers have arrived. And for Delfi, this is hopefully the beginning of a brand-new chapter.
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