Remembering Saffura Khan: A champion for the blind and physically challenged
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.
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Eye Can Walk 5km/ 10km challenges runners
AS race day fast approaches, entries remain open for the Eye Can Walk 5km/ 10km Challenge on Sunday, August 24, from Suncoast Lawns in Durban. Scores of runners are expected to be part of the KZN Athletics accredited race, hosted by the KZN Blind and Deaf Society (KZNBDS). The race route is along the Durban beachfront promenade, which KZNBDS president Veetha Sewkuran said would be the perfect setting for the event. She said around 2000 runners will be part of the race which starts at 08:00. 'We are expecting both social and elite runners and walkers to be part of the challenge,' said Sewkuran. 'The race is accredited, there will be cash prizes and medals at the end.' The challenge was conceived by the organisation in 2017 as a means to raise awareness of, and to uplift, blind and deaf people. Over the years it has grown to be more than just an awareness fun walk. Sewkuran said despite the fast-paced growth of the event, the organisers have not deviated from its purpose. Also Read: Blind residents highlight Eye Can Walk 'It's a unique and good concept, running and raising awareness at the same time. The race has evolved over time and become more competitive to include other services such as a chiropractor, and having diabetes and high blood pressure checks,' said Sewkuran. 'The only thing that has changed this year is the venue, because there were issues of safety and parking. With us starting at Suncoast, it solves that issue.' The race is kids and pet friendly. All entrants will receive T-shirts and medals. The entry price for the 10km run ranges from R180 to R240, and the cost to participate in the 5km walk/run is R100. Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets or at Pick n Pay. Race pack collection is on Saturday, August 23, at Pirates Lifesaving Club from 09:00 to 16:00 and on Sunday from 06:30 to 07:30. For more information contact Anand Naicker on 083 783 6363 or Yegeshne Naidu on 031 309 4991 / 067 281 7782. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here

IOL News
20-06-2025
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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.

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04-06-2025
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Pietermaritzburg High Court greenlights abuse probe at school for the blind
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