Tribute to a radio legend - Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi

THE South African media and entertainment landscape is mourning the loss of legendary radio personality Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi, who passed away on Friday afternoon at the age of 65, following a recent heart attack.

For nearly four decades, Siddiqi captivated audiences with her distinctive voice, deep musical knowledge, and the warmth she brought to every broadcast.

Aside from her extensive musical knowledge and experience, she hosted Talk@7, a two-hour magazine-style talk show from Monday to Thursday that explores a variety of topics. She also hosted the Local Vocal show on Saturday, which highlighted South Africa’s musical talent.

"Lotus FM mourns the passing of Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi, a cherished member of our family who served this station with unwavering dedication for decades. Zakia’s warm spirit, professionalism, and remarkable rapport with our listeners made her a beloved voice in countless homes across the nation.

"Her contribution to Lotus FM and to broadcasting will never be forgotten," read a statement from Lotus FM.

Fakir Hassen, former Lotus FM station manager, first recognised Siddiqi's potential shortly after he took office in 1995.

"I immediately realised her potential as a young presenter then, and nearly three decades later, was proud of that as she proved her on-air versatility and popularity in diverse broadcast areas. We often worked together on scores of outside broadcast events across the country.

"I left for Johannesburg a decade later, but the professional relationship transformed into one of a very close friendship. Her bubbly, always-smiling approach and fierce defence of everyone she loved or cared about, including colleagues, endeared her to all," said Hassen.

Actor and entertainer, Vikash Mathura, regarded her as an icon of radio.

"Zakia was one of the 'Big 4' legends of daytime radio at Lotus FM when I joined the airwaves in 1992. Zakia served the radio industry for almost 40 years. Broadcasting was her life topped only by the love she had for her two children and her husband, another radio legend, the late Safee Siddiqi.

"My first memory of Zakia is of me listening to her radio shows while I was a scholar, and later on, while I was at university. I never imagined that I would someday share the studio with her," he said.

Mathura said he shared his first session on radio with Siddiqi, as well as first outside broadcast in Cape Town in 1992, a few months after he debuted on radio.

"She was also one of the first presenters who said to me: "Work hard, and you'll be bigger than all of us". Wow. A woman who had no ego... and who never harboured any professional jealousy.

"Zakia was the eternal optimist. She was never sad. And if there was something that she was concerned about she would always smile and say: "Allah will find a way. He always does".

I also cannot recall ever hearing Zakia say anything negative about someone else. She never concerned herself with other people's issues. Instead, she would go about her business with a spring in her step and a smile in her voice," said Mathura.

Alan Khan, a media and radio personality, said he was blessed to have worked with Siddiqi for a number of years at Lotus FM.

"She was a talented, skilled and experienced broadcaster whose warm and loving personality always matched her kindness and joyful smile.

"This is a tremendous loss on so many levels. What makes this tragedy even more difficult to comprehend is that Zakia’s passing comes just days after she was announced as a nominee for Best Talk Show at the 2025 Telkom Radio Awards. Her legacy will live on through the lives she touched, the stories she shared and the voices she uplifted," said Khan.

Musician Shashika Mooruth said Siddiqi was always a bright spark, from their early days in the 80s at Radio Truro, Siddiqi's vibrant years as a radio announcer, a compere at Mooruth's concerts, and their cherished conversations on LotusFM.

"I remember a dear friend whose voice, presence, and spirit coloured so many chapters of our life. She was bubbly and full of excitement. She lit up instantly at the mention of nostalgic songs I would sing. Her presentations were brilliant, her energy infectious, and her love for music so genuine that one could not help but feel uplifted in her presence.

"To me, she was not just a friend. She was a companion in the journey of music, someone who understood the magic, celebrated it, and amplified it for the world," said Mooruth.

Gift of the Givers in their tribute to Siddiqi, said she and their founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman shared a long-standing relationship, having collaborated on numerous programmes and events over many years.

"She was always a source of laughter and joy, bringing positivity and warmth to every space she entered. She was deeply concerned about the state of our country, its people, and its society, and she carried this compassion into everything she did.

"Her life was rooted in deep faith, integrity, and honesty. She consistently offered kind words and upliftment to those around her. Zakia was an extraordinary human being who served the South African community with dedication through her programmes and her presence," they said in a statement.

Siddiqi's funeral was held on Friday night.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE