After losing their home, beloved restaurant and a lifetime of memories in a devastating fire, the Delfi family is being given a much-needed reason to hope.
Now, Durban residents are being urged to rally behind the family by supporting Durban Loves Delfi, a special one-off variety show raising funds to help them rebuild their lives.
The fundraiser will take place at Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girls’ High School on Monday,19 October, at 7pm.
The evening promises music, laughter and magic, with some of Durban’s best-known performers donating their time and talent to support the family.
The line-up includes the much-loved musical theatre trio the Glitter Girls, featuring Lisa Bobbert, Liesl Coppin and Marion Loudon, magician and mentalist Mo Magic, storyteller and entertainer Rory Petzer, and young performers from the International School of Performing Arts (ISPA).
The show will be hosted by Hello Poppy, an NPC headed by Jane Linley-Thomas, bringing together Durban’s creative community in a show of solidarity for a family that has been part of the city for decades.
The Delfi family lost almost everything when a fire broke out at the back of the Delfi Greek Taverna on September 3 before spreading through the entire building.
and Lisa Bobbert
Doddy, Maria and Manuel Teranes had lived above the restaurant since 1964, making the building both their home and a place filled with decades of cherished memories.
“A devastating fire on 3 September took away not only the beloved Delfi restaurant, but all their lifelong possessions. Their home of six decades is gone, along with all the beautiful memories,” said family member Linda Landzanakis.
“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.”
Amid the tragedy, 32-year-old Ayakha Godlwana, a chef at Palm Terrace Cafe, was hailed as a hero after rescuing Doddy Teranes from her room as flames spread through the upstairs apartment and restaurant.
Since the fire, the family has been overwhelmed by messages of support and acts of kindness from the community.
“We honestly never expected anything like this. To see performers giving their time and so many people coming together for us has been incredibly moving,” said Maria Teranes.
“Since the fire, we have been overwhelmed by the love and generosity of the community. We are so grateful to each and every person who has reached out, helped and supported us.”
Jane Linley-Thomas said the fundraiser was a reminder of what could be achieved when people came together for a common cause.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and willingness of so many people to get involved,” she said.
The performers and Hello Poppy team have donated their services, while Milkwood Theatre principal Linda Scholtz has made the venue available under the leadership of Liesl Coppin.
Black Coffee has also provided technical infrastructure to help bring the show to life.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Delfi family. Durban residents are encouraged to support the fundraiser, enjoy an evening of entertainment and help the family take another step towards rebuilding their lives.
