Amanzimtoti teen puts his community first
The teen is a radio presenter on Salaamedia, with his own show called ‘The Special Focus’.
A teen has used his love for his town to help others in need. Zahid Jadwat, who turns 17 next month, started the Toti Community Platform last May. Asked what made him want to start it, he said: “Love for the beautiful area we call home. Seeing a street lamp not working is a real heartache for me and so I really believe that it’s time the community makes a collective effort to keep things in order in our lovely town.
“During lockdown I noticed that a lot of people were thrown into the depths of poverty as a result of the pandemic. The group had positioned itself as a springboard for any community outreach effort, so it was really helpful in creating awareness about the food distribution initiative my friends and I had started. The Koran teaches us to be humble and care for humanity, so I really felt this would be the perfect opportunity to practice the noble act of charity.
“Of course regulations didn’t allow everyone to physically help people, so I feel honored to have been able to do this on behalf of my community. I’m really grateful for those who have come out in support of the initiative.”
To date, his group has given out 30 food hampers. Due to the number of passionate people in Toti, the group has already reached maximum capacity, but anyone interested in joining can WhatsApp Zahid on 078-202-4161 and he will consider creating a second group if there’s a need.
“School has resumed, so unfortunately I haven’t had the time to continue with the hamper initiative and it might be difficult to do anything major in the near future. If I do manage to do anything, I’d be really grateful to have the community on board, so that we can all benefit mankind.”
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The Athlone Park resident has been living in Toti for just over two years. He attended Al-Khalil Muslim School in Isipingo, but is now currently doing Grade 9 with a private tutor at Oceanview Muslim School. “After school I intend on studying something in the media field, particularly related to broadcast journalism.”
The teen is a radio presenter on Salaamedia, with his own show called ‘The Special Focus’. It is a current affairs show that offers thought-provoking analysis on some of the major local and international issues to find out how these stories affect South Africans. “We try to get to the bottom of these issues to find solutions and ideas on how to move forward.”
The young high-achiever has hosted internationally renowned researchers and professors from leading institutions, including the universities of Cambridge, Miami, Johannesburg and Cape Town. December will mark his first year on radio, although he started his own podcast last May. “I had no idea I’d manage to be on radio in the first place, because I am quite a shy person off air. Many times people still meet me and ask how I can talk on air, but be as mute as a fish when I go actually meet them off air. I used to listen to SAfm and imagine myself being a presenter, but I didn’t expect it to actually happen.
“About a month ago I interviewed Professor Thuli Madonsela. She is the former Public Protector of South Africa and many would know her for her State of Capture Report, which pressurised former President Jacob Zuma to resign. A little before that I was honored to have Professor Stephen Chan of the University of London as well. He participated in Zimbabwe’s transition to independence.
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“Every interview is different, but one I particularly enjoyed was with Dr Cathleen Powell of the University of Cape Town. I also really enjoyed the one with Professor Madonsela and another with Professor Stephan Lewandowsky of the University of Bristol. I would still like to interview President Cyril Ramaphosa. I have a lot to speak to him about and I am really hopeful that it will be possible one day, because I always firmly believe that it is possible to have literally anyone on the show. I’m sure South Africans have a lot that they want to hear from him as well, so I’d be extremely delighted and honored to speak on behalf of my compatriots.”
Catch The Special Focus online on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8pm.
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