Remembering Saffura Khan: A champion for the blind and physically challenged

Saffura Khan, an activist for the blind and physically challenged, has left behind a legacy of compassion and advocacy that touched countless lives.

Khan, died on Thursday evening at the age of 67, after suffering a heart attack in hospital.

The Shallcross grandmother is remembered as someone who had the people at heart and championed for the blind and physically challenged community.

Khan was born without any vision and attended the Arthur Blaxall School for the Blind.

She worked as a receptionist for a furniture company.

She was involved with the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, the KZN Society for the Blind, and blind cricket. She also presented Disability in Focus on Radio Al Ansaar.

Khan also served as head of skills development and was responsible for income generation for the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF), an organisation engaged in welfare and development, education, emergency relief, and the provision of food aid and shelter for those in need.

The mother of two sons ran the Phoenix Light Group for the physically challenged, whose objective is to provide social, recreational and rehabilitation programmes and activities for persons living with disabilities in Durban and surrounds.

Last year A Mosaic of Memories, a biography of Khan, authored by Siva Moodley, was launched. The book gives an insight into Khan’s family life, experiences, community work, achievements and travels.

The Phoenix Light Group in a statement said Khan brought light, strength, and compassion into every space she entered.

"Her leadership, kindness, and dedication to the physically challenged community will never be forgotten."

Ruban Chetty, vice president of the Phoenix Light Group for the physically challenged, said the world of the disabled and the blind will be really affected by Khan's loss.

"She had the people at heart. She was an amazing person. She served as president for 30 years for the Southern Light Group before it changed to Phoenix Light Group for the physically challenged.

"Although she herself was blind she would do anything possible for the physically challenged and blind. There was a time when she travelled by train and bus to oThongathi for six months to teach braille to someone who became blind. She had no limits of wanting to help people," said Chetty.

He said Khan was a great motivational speaker and recipient of a number of awards.

Ameer Choonara, SANZAF's head of finance in Durban, said what Khan lacked in eyesight she made up for in heart.

"Her passing is a great loss to the community. She was involved in many aspects of humanitarian and charity work. She served her life for humanity. She advocated for the disabled.

"She was kind-hearted and outspoken. She never let her disability get to her," said Choonara.

Khan served at SANZAF for 15 years.

Isaac Bidla, vice president of Blind Cricket South Africa said Khan's passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the development of blind cricket left a lasting impact on all.

"She was more than just a sponsor, she was a guiding force, a friend, and a constant source of encouragement to everyone involved in blind cricket.

"Her work touched countless lives, and her absence will be deeply felt across the blind cricket community. We are truly grateful for the time, heart, and energy she poured into helping us grow and succeed," said Bidla.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE