DURBAN chef Ayakha Godlwana, who last week risked his life by running into a burning building to rescue a 74-year-old woman, has been honoured as a hero by the KZN International Business Association (KIBA).

Godlwana received the Hero Award and certificate from KIBA president Omie Singh on Tuesday morning, September 8.

The ceremony at Palm Terrace Restaurant was also attended by the owners of Delfi Greek Taverna, including Doddy Teranes, who was rescued by Godlwana during the restaurant fire on Thursday, September 3.

Teranes was trapped upstairs when the restaurant, at the corner of Lillian Ngoyi and Livingstone Roads, became engulfed in flames at around 16:30. Godlwana, who works at a neighbouring restaurant, saw the smoke and went to help.

Also Read: Hero risks all to save elderly woman from burning Delfi

“When I got there Maria told me that her sister was trapped upstairs in one of the rooms,” said Godlwana. “At that moment I had no thoughts or fear, I just knew that I had to help after being told that there was an elderly woman inside.”

It took several attempts for him to reach Teranes because thick smoke made it impossible for him to breathe properly or see clearly.

“I remembered that when I got to the restaurant, I had seen someone with a hose trying to put out the fire. On the fourth or third attempt to enter the building, I asked them for the hose and used it to clear the way for me to be able to enter safely.”

Godlwana found Teranes in her room upstairs and carried her on his back as he climbed down the stairs to safety. Once she was safe, he went back to work and continued with his shift.

“What you did on that day, not many people could have done it,” said Singh to Godlwana. “People receive training to do what you did to save Doddy. By sharing your story and recognising you with this award, we want to inspire other heroes out there, not to be afraid to act and save a life. We want the world to know that we have a hero among us in Durban.”

Moved by the words and recognition, a humble Godlwana could not hold back his tears as Teranes and her family also expressed their gratitude for his bravery, calling him an angel.

“He is truly a wonderful and humble person,” said Maria. “He never wanted or expected anything for what he did. Even when my sister wanted to reward Ayakha, he did not want to take anything. He is a helpful person by nature. We had met and spoke several times before as neighbours. He is truly an angel and was a Godsend that day.”

In acceptance of the award, Godlwana said, “Thank you for the award, I’m glad that we are all here today together.”

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