Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi (born 2 June 1960) was a South African radio presenter, MC, and advocate for the Urdu language. She was best known for working at the Indian-interest station Lotus FM.
With a career spanning nearly four decades, Zakia has interviewed global and local superstars. Some include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Ramesh Hassan. She was a compere for Jagit Singh, together with her late husband, Safee Siddiqi.
| Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi | |
|---|---|
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| Quick Facts | |
| Name: | Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi |
| Born: | 2 June 1960 |
| Died: | 21 November 2025 (age 65 years old) |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Occupation: | Radio presenter, MC |
| Employer: | Lotus FM |
| Spouse: | Safee Siddiqi |
| Children: | Safeenaaz, Basharat |
Career
Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi worked as a radio personality for almost four decades. Throughout her career, she connected with people through music and groundbreaking content. Fakir Hassen appointed Zakia to the station shortly after he became the Station Manager in 1985.
She hosted the magazine-style talk show Talk@7 and the Local Vocal show on Saturdays. Although her venture into radio was accidental. She went for an acting audition for a role in a play, but instead, she was selected as a new voice for the radio.
Zakia was a compere for Jagit Singh, together with her husband, Safee Siddiqi. She has interviewed known personalities such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Ramesh Hassan.
Personal Life
Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi was married to the late legendary poet Safee Siddiqi. They had two children, Safeenaaz and Basharat. Her husband passed away in November 2012. Her husband was the chairman of the Urdu foundation, Buzme Adab.
Zakia went into a coma and later succumbed to it on Friday, 21 November 2025. She had experienced a heart attack two weeks before her passing and was recovering at home when her condition worsened. She was also a diabetic patient.
Siddiqi spoke Urdu, English, Afrikaans and Hindi.
References
- “Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi”. Lotus FM.
- Janine Moodley. “Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi carries on legacy of late husband to keep Urdu alive”. IOL.
- Post Reporter. “Beloved Lotus FM presenter Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi passes away”. IOL.
- ZamaNdosi Cele. “Mzansi mourns the loss of Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi: beloved Lotus FM icon and Urdu language advocate”. IOL.
