The Delphi Greek Taverna hero, Ayakha Godlwana, was emotional when he received a hero’s award from the KwaZulu-Natal International Business Association (KIBA) on Tuesday.
The restaurant and the Teranes family home above it were gutted by a fire on Thursday. Godlwana, 32, who works nearby, rushed to the scene to offer assistance. When he heard that Doddy Teranes, 74, was still upstairs, he rushed up the stairs to assist without hesitation.
Teranes became disorientated when smoke filled the flat above the restaurant. Despite being overcome with smoke himself, Godlwana managed to find Teranes and bring her to safety. Both were unharmed. Godlwana returned to the coffee shop where he works as a chef and continued to serve customers.
The president of KIBA, Omie Singh, handed Godlwana an award on Tuesday. Singh said people had gathered to celebrate the courage Godlwana showed.
“He called me twice, declining the award. I was taken aback. He did not want to be recognised. He is a humble person. We would have been in a different situation if he had not reacted. He did this without any sort of firefighting skills or training,” Singh said.
Godlwana said he was humbled by the messages he had received and visits to his workplace, congratulating him since the story of his heroic feat featured in the news on Friday. He said he was overwhelmed by the sudden interest in him.
Godlwana received a certificate and trophy, a peaked cap with the South African emblem, a wallet, a moon bag and an apron for his bravery, courage and selflessness.
Teranes received a gift from photographer Kevin Joseph, which included perfume, a handbag, and accessories. Kushela Naidoo, the deputy president of KIBA, said this was a humanitarian story and a momentous occasion.
“We have many unsung heroes, but today we are lucky to be singing his praises,” Naidoo said.
The Teranes family were too emotional to speak, but described Godlwana as an angel sent at the right time.
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