‘We lost everything’: Durban rallies around Delfi family after devastating fire
The family behind Durban’s iconic Delfi Tavern has been left to rebuild from scratch after a devastating fire destroyed their home, belongings and decades of family history.
For generations, Delfi has been more than a restaurant to many Durban families.
It has been a place filled with food, memories and community since 1967.
But after a devastating fire tore through the property, Maria, Doddy and Manny were left with almost nothing.
Speaking to Danny Guselli on East Coast Radio, the family opened up about the scale of the loss and the support they now need as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding.
Danny reflected on how deeply Delfi is woven into Durban and KZN, describing a family that has spent decades serving its community before losing their home, belongings and important documents in a matter of hours.
‘We need to restart again’
In an emotional message, Maria thanked the people of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal for the support they have shown the family.
She said they had been overwhelmed by the response from customers, relatives and members of the wider community.
But the reality of what happened remains devastating.
“We have lost everything and need to restart again,” she said.
How the Delfi family escaped the fire
The family’s nephew, Nick Lanzenacis, told Danny that the three were upstairs when a neighbour noticed smoke and alerted them.
Manny rushed downstairs before calling for his sisters to get out.
Doddy initially went back to try to save their parrot, Charlie, as the smoke became increasingly thick.
A passer-by then stepped in to help and managed to carry Doddy to safety.
Nick said the intervention prevented what could have been an even greater tragedy.
Decades of memories lost
The physical loss stretches far beyond the restaurant itself.
Nick explained that Maria and Doddy escaped with only the clothes they were wearing, while Manny happened to have his cellphone in his pocket.
Their identity documents, paperwork, photographs, memorabilia and generations of family possessions were all lost.
“The history is part of our life, our culture,” he said.
Starting an entire home again
The family now needs to rebuild everyday life from the ground up.
Nick said they are trying to secure accommodation that can also accommodate their two large dogs while the property is rebuilt.
While members of the community have already donated items including a fridge and couch, the family still needs the basics of a complete home, including beds, linen, clothes and toiletries.
BackaBuddy campaign launched to help the Delfi family
A BackaBuddy campaign has also been created to support the family financially as they rebuild.
Nick told Danny that anyone wanting to help can contribute through the fundraising campaign, with the link also being shared through Delfi’s Facebook page.
Support the Delfi family through their BackaBuddy campaign:
Delfi Will Rise From The Ashes – BackaBuddy
For Danny, the story is ultimately about the relationship between Delfi and the community it has served for generations.
A fire may have destroyed their home and possessions, but, as he put it, it cannot take away the place the family holds in the hearts of Durban people.
Listen to Danny Guselli’s full conversation with the Delfi family above.