Members of the creative community in Durban are organizing an event called Durban Loves Delfi. It will be a special evening of diverse performances featuring well-known personalities, aimed at supporting the family of the Greek tavern Delfi, which was affected by a fire.
The event will take place at the Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girls School on Monday, October 19th, at 7:00 PM. The organizer is Hello Poppy—an NGO led by Jane Lindley-Thomas, which supports the dignity, joy, and emotional well-being of the elderly.
The evening's program will feature the beloved musical trio The Glitter Girls, consisting of Lisa Bobber, Lisl Coppin, and Marion Laudon, as well as renowned South African magician, mentalist, and host Mo Magic and comedian Rory Petzer. Additionally, talented young artists from the International School of Performing Arts will perform.
Members of the creative industry have offered their time and talents to support the Delfi family. Linda Scholz, the school director, provided the Milkwood Theatre, and Black Coffee provided the technical infrastructure. All collected funds will be transferred directly to the family.
The fire started in the rear part of the Greek tavern Delfi and spread throughout the building. The owners and family members of the restaurant, Doddi, Maria, and Manuel Terenes, had lived on the upper floor since 1964.
A family member, Linda Landzanakis, noted that 'the devastating fire on September 3rd took not only the beloved Delfi restaurant but also all their lifelong belongings. Their sixty-year-old home disappeared along with all the wonderful memories. It wasn't just a cafe. It was a home filled with love, kindness, and warmth. They were left with what they had.'
On the day of the incident, Ayaha Godlwana, a 32-year-old chef from Palm Terrace Cafe, became a hero by rescuing Doddi from her room while the fire spread through the upstairs apartment.
Maria shared her feelings: 'We honestly did not expect anything like this. Seeing artists give their time, and so many people gathering for us, was incredibly touching. After the fire, we were overwhelmed by the love and generosity of the community. We are very grateful to every person who reached out, helped, and supported us.'
Tickets for the event cost 220 or 200 Rand and are available through Webtickets.