Anti-Racism Activist Zulaikha Patel Joins Newzroom Afrika
Anti-Racism Activist Zulaikha Patel Joins Newzroom Afrika. In one of her Instagram posts, Zulaikha Patel refers to herself as “the nerd that turned into a global thought leader.” Well, if you stand up for a good cause, chances are high that you will soar to greater heights.
Zulaikha is well known for challenging racist hair policies in schools. The 22 year old, continues to use her voice to advocate for those oppressed. The activist and author has just gotten a bigger platform to continue inspiring. Zulaikha has joined Newzroom Afrika, as the news channel shuffles programming. She will be a contributor in the segment on AM Report which will now be anchored by Iman Rappetti, Arabile Gumede and Vaylen Kirtley.
Zulaikha became a symbol of the fight against Pretoria Girls High School’s policy regarding black girls’ hair in 2016. She was only 13 at the time. She and her classmates held a demonstration, and were threatened with arrest. A video posted online showed Zulaikha faced three armed security guards who were hired by the school management to break up the demonstration. This video caused a large backlash against the school. Her actions inspired other protests in other schools where parents marched as well. People worldwide began sharing pictures of their own Afros on social media, in solidarity with the female students of Pretoria High School. International press coverage ensued. The protests showed that racial divisions persist, despite the 1991 end of apartheid.
