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.
Rescue attempt
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.
“When she got close, I grabbed her hand, told her to get onto my back and walked down the stairs to safety,” he said.
The restaurant and rooms upstairs were completely gutted by the fire, leaving the family with only the clothes on their backs. Emanuel said they are living with relatives and friends. He said all their possessions, historical documents, and pictures were destroyed in the fire.
Fundraising
Zane Groenewald created the fundraising initiative, and approximately 171 people have made donations.
“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,” Groenewald said.
He added, “That is why I set up this campaign. I’d love for Durban, South Africa, and anyone moved by Ayakha’s story to come together and show him that what he did mattered. Whatever is raised belongs to Ayakha, to use however he chooses.”
Godlwana was emotional when he received a hero’s award from the KwaZulu-Natal International Business Association (KIBA) on Tuesday.
[email protected]
IOL
Dining and Cooking