Life experiences, challenges and achievements of visually impaired Durban grandmother, Saffura Khan, is highlighted in a biography about her titled A Mosaic of Memories.
Khan, 65, of Shallcross, said she wanted to share her story to inspire people.
"The book is about my life experience and it highlights my success, challenges, and fun matter the situations you need to make the best of your life," said Khan.
A Mosaic of Memories, authored by Siva Moodley, gives an insight into Khan's family life, experience, community work, achievement, and travels.
Khan, who has been the head of skills development for the South African National Zakah Fund (Sanzaf) and is also responsible for income generation, also runs 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.
"The message I hope to convey in my book is that people should not judge people by their disabilities because people with disabilities have a lot of abilities.
"People with disabilities are normal people and like everybody we all have limitations in life so my limitation is being totally blind. Sadly we still have many stereotypes around us," she said.
Khan was born without any vision and attended the Arthur Blaxall School for the Blind.
Khan said she chose Moodley to write her story as he had previously written a book titled Passion for Success and in that book he highlighted quite a few blind people, including Khan, and their success.
She said as a single mother of two sons was a challenge which she overcame.
"We all have stresses in life but our ability to deal with situations no matter how difficult is important. We learn from people's examples and I wish people would learn from my example. The only way to get involved is to do things in the community at grassroots level," said Khan.
Khan has been involved with the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, as well as the KZN Society for the Blind and blind cricket. She also presents Disability in Focus on Radio Al Ansaar.
Moodley said Khan is a leader in many respects.
"People get to learn more about Saffura and her life through this book. I knew she had a dream to have her own book and I wanted it to be a reality for her. For me it was getting to know Saffura better than I thought I knew her. I got a glimpse into her family life, struggles, challenges and triumphs.
"The book spotlights how she tackles the various problems and her leadership skills. It's kind of a blueprint for other blind people to follow, showing you can do and should do it. Everyone can become a leader if they set their mind to it," said Moodley.
A Mosaic of Memories is available for sighted people and will be made available in braille.
The book costs R150 and is available from Khan by contacting her on 0724174422.
