“This Is Ubuntu”: Durban Chef Ayakha Reunited With Woman He Saved From Delphi Fire
- A Durban chef ran into a burning restaurant to rescue a trapped woman before quietly disappearing into the crowd
- The chef, identified as Ayakha, works in the Windermere Road area and was hailed as a hero after the Delphi Greek Taverna fire
- South Africans online called his act a true example of Ubuntu and called on the city to honour him
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Source: Instagram
A Durban chef made headlines for all the right reasons after running into a burning building to save a stranger, and South Africa wants him recognised for it.
Ayakha, a chef based in Durban's Windermere Road area, was near the Delphi Greek Taverna on Lilian Ngoyi Road when fire tore through the restaurant. Without hesitating, he removed his shirt, soaked himself in water and ran inside to pull a trapped woman to safety. Once she was out, he simply walked away.
According to a report by IOL News, Brent Lindeque, founder of Good Things Guy, described the moment:
“He took off his shirt, poured water over himself and ran into a burning building to rescue a woman trapped inside. And then, once she was safe, he just disappeared.”
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The fire destroyed the restaurant as well as a neighbouring shop. The eThekwini Municipality’s Fire Services reportedly brought the blaze under control in roughly 20 minutes, with three fire engines, a water carrier, a foam carrier and a command vehicle deployed to the scene.
Four firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the building. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported and no persons were found inside after the fire was extinguished. Firefighters also rescued two dogs and a parrot from the building.
Source: Instagram
IOL News later shared footage of Ayakha being reunited with the woman he saved on Instagram, a moment that moved thousands of viewers across the country.
Watch the reunion between Ayakha and the woman he rescued from the Delphi fire here.
Mzansi rallies behind its quiet hero
The outpouring of support online was immediate. Those who know Ayakha personally said the act was entirely in character.
@palmterrace031 wrote:
“We are incredibly proud to call Ayakha part of the Palm Terrace family. 💝 His courage and selflessness in such a terrifying moment are something we will never forget. Our hearts remain with the Teranes family and everyone affected by this devastating loss. 🙏🌴”
@demeramoodley shared:
“That’s our Ayakha. Just knowing and having him as family makes seeing this unfold even more surreal. He genuinely has the biggest heart. This isn’t even half of it🥹. When we came home, he acted like it was nothing. 📸😂💗”
@my.g82.8y simply said:
“Now this is Ubuntu.”
@billmuhhwy had specific requests:
“1. Mayor of @ethekwinim, give this dude a medal. 2. Ladies, he goes in the will. 3. Dish or drink named in his honour upon reopening.”
@raynedancaster added:
“I hope the city recognises his bravery with an award.”
@aysha_laher1603 said:
“Rainbow nation. Super proud. A selfless act.”
@jonica81 asked:
“Is there a BackABuddy for this guy?”
3 more stories involving devastating fires on properties
- A Durban chef rushed into a burning restaurant to rescue a woman trapped inside during a major fire.
- A restaurant at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town caught fire on 10 May 2026, sending heavy smoke into the air above one of the city’s busiest destinations.
- Five children tragically died in a shack fire in Shakashead, Stanger, while one child survived thanks to her mother’s brave rescue.
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Source: Briefly News
