Durban Loves Delfi - IOL

Durban artists are giving of their time and talents in the fundraiser Durban Loves Delfi. Back from left, James Armstrong, Jenna Van Eyssen, Dr Paul Bushell, Jane Linley Thomas, Mo Magic, Yashmay Sooful and Mzwandile Khumalo. Front Lisa Bobbert and Liesl Coppin

Members of Durban's creative community will host Durban Loves Delfi - a special one-off, star-studded evening variety show in support the family of the Delfi Greek Taverna restaurant fire, at the Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girls High School on Monday October 19 at 7pm.

The event is hosted by Hello Poppy – an NPC headed up by Jane Linley-Thomas in support of the dignity, joy and emotional-wellbeing of our elders.

The line-up includes the much loved sparkling musical theatre trio the Glitter Girls featuring Lisa Bobbert, Liesl Coppin and Marion Loudon; prominent South African magician, mentalist, and MC, Mo Magic and family-friendly comedian Rory Petzer. Also featured are the brilliant young performers from the International School of Performing Arts.

Members of the creative industries have offered their time and talents in support of the Delfi family. School principal Linda Scholtz has made Milkwood Theatre available and Black Coffee have provided technical infrastructure. All monies raised will go directly to the family.

The fire started at the back of the Delfi Greek Taverna and spread to the entire building. Restaurant owners and family members Doddy, Maria, and Manuel Teranes have lived upstairs since 1964.

“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. 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,” said family member, Linda Landzanakis.

Ayakha Godlwana, 32, a chef at the Palm Terrace Cafe, was the hero of the day after he rescued Doddy from her room while the flames were spreading through the upstairs apartment.

“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. 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,” said Maria.