Zahaa Safodien

B.A/LLB

University of the Western Cape

Zahaa Safodien

What led me to this career: According to my high school counsellor, I often follow the path less travelled, which is the perfect summary for my unconventional journey to law, spanning 10 years since completing school. After matriculating, I pursued and completed a Bachelor of Art’s Degree, which was followed by a year-long journalism course, which led me to becoming a junior journalist for a community radio station for a short while. Thereafter, I landed a role as a layout designer at an educational technology company. After nearly three years as a layout designer, I finally found my passion in law and decided to pursue a three-year postgraduate law degree.

In my downtime I like to

I like partaking in social activities, whether that be spending time with family, friends or meeting new people through social clubs. I prefer interactive activities such as outdoor events, games nights or playing a sport.

My favourite sport is

I have a few favourites, especially growing up as the only girl child in a sport crazy family. My favourites are cricket (having played it for six years), soccer, tennis, and swimming.

Recommended read

Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamim Ansary

Favourite game

Monopoly, Uno, Cards Against Humanity, 30 Seconds

Coffee or Ice cream?

Tough choice! Coffee is my favourite hot drink and my daily fuel, but ice-cream is my favourite dessert, so I’d say both

Name one thing on your bucket list?

An international trip that incorporates two or more continents.

If you could choose any person from history to be your friend, who would it be and why?

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). She was a powerhouse businesswoman of her time, being one of the richest Arabs at the time. As a Muslim woman, I was always fascinated by her strength, wealth, independence and courage, which goes against many of the stereotypes about Arab and Muslim women. Regardless of religious affiliation, one can admire her as an historical figure who broke the glass ceiling in a male-dominated era.

Are you ready to join us?