Veteran broadcaster and beloved radio personality Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi has passed away, leaving behind a legacy spanning nearly four decades in South African radio.
Siddiqi, known for her commanding voice, warm presence, and deep connection with listeners, built a career rooted in her belief in the power of radio to educate, inspire and unite communities. She became a household name through her extensive musical expertise and her ability to hold honest, engaging conversations on air.
She was best known for hosting Talk@7, a two-hour magazine-style talk show that aired from Monday to Thursday. The show offered an unfiltered platform for discussions on topics that resonated with listeners, creating a safe space for public engagement and reflection. Siddiqi also hosted Local Vocal on Saturdays, a programme dedicated to celebrating South Africa’s rich musical talent, particularly artists from the Indian-origin diaspora a mission she championed passionately.
Her impact extended beyond the studio. Siddiqi once shared the stage as a compere for the legendary Jagjit Singh, together with her late husband, Safee Siddiqi a memory she often described as one of her most treasured.
Throughout her career, she interviewed and worked with iconic figures including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Ramesh Hassan, cementing her status as a respected figure in entertainment and broadcasting.
Despite her many accolades, Siddiqi always said her greatest honour was connecting with her audience offering them good music, thought-provoking content, and a familiar voice that accompanied them through the years.
Her passing marks the end of an era in South African radio, and tributes are already pouring in for a woman remembered as a trailblazer, a mentor, and an irreplaceable voice of the airwaves.