Ayakha Godlwana, a chef from Palm Terrace restaurant in Durban, has been hailed as a local hero. When a devastating fire tore through the Delphi Greek Taverna on Windermere Road, Godlwana successfully rescued Doddy Teranes who was trapped inside and brought her out safely.
The BackaBuddy "A Hero Called Ayakha" campaign has raised R61,000 in three days.
Ayakha Godlwana, 32, was praised after entering the burning Delphi Greek Taverna building in Durban and rescuing Doddy Teranes on September 3, 2026. His heroic feat was splashed all over social media, digital news platforms, and newspapers.
Godlwana, who works at a coffee shop next to the Taverna, was alerted to the fire by fellow employees. Godlwana said he rushed over to offer assistance and was met by Emanuel Teranes and his sister Maria Teranes. Both were panicking after realising their sister Doddy was upstairs while the fire was spreading to the upper floors.
Emanuel handed Godlwana a garden hose pipe he was preparing to use. According to Godlwana, he soaked himself with water before entering,and then after three attempts, reached the room where Doddy was. Although they could not see through the thick smoke, Godlwana sprayed water onto the ceiling so Doddy could find her way out.
