The fire devastated a Durban family and introduced South Africa to an extraordinary local hero… days later, thousands of rands are pouring in to support them both.
South Africa (07 September 2026) – What started as a call to find the mystery hero of the Delfi Greek Taverna fire has grown into an outpouring of support for both Ayakha Godlwana and the family who lost almost everything that afternoon.
Good Things Guy has been following the Delfi Greek Taverna story from the very beginning. We asked Durban to help us find the stranger who ran into the burning building to save 74-year-old Doddy Teranes, celebrated when that stranger was identified as 32-year-old chef Ayakha Godlwana and watched as crowdfunding campaigns were launched for both the man who risked his life and the family who lost almost everything.
We checked this morning and South Africans are rallying behind both campaigns.
The “A Hero Called Ayakha” campaign has reached R44,062, putting it at an incredible 88% of its R50,000 goal in just 2 days!
The fundraiser was created after South Africans began asking how they could thank Ayakha for what he did during the fire. With no formal firefighting training, the local chef repeatedly entered the smoke-filled building, eventually reaching Doddy and helping her to safety.
When the campaign was launched, organiser Zane Groenewald explained why he wanted to give people a way to recognise Ayakha.
“Ayakha’s courage and selflessness are deeply inspiring. In a moment when someone desperately needed help, he stepped forward without hesitation and showed us the very best of humanity. What he did was truly heroic, and I hope this campaign gives people the opportunity to thank and celebrate him for it.”
And South Africans certainly have.
At the same time, the “Delfi Will Rise From the Ashes” campaign supporting the Teranes family has climbed to R47,285, reaching 16% of its R300,000 goal.
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The family lost their beloved restaurant, their home of 59 years and their possessions in the devastating blaze. Delfi had been part of the Durban neighbourhood for decades, first as EFI Supermarket and later as the Greek taverna so many people came to know and love.
“Please let’s help them to rebuild together we will ensure that we see those happy, smiling faces in no time at all!”
There is still a long way to go for the Teranes family but nearly R50,000 raised in just 3 days represents something much bigger than a number on a crowdfunding page. It is hundreds of people deciding that a family they may never have met should not have to face what comes next alone.
Between the two campaigns, South Africans have now contributed more than R91,000.
The fire may have started this story but it certainly does not get to write the ending. South Africans are doing their part together. Good Things!
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