Zulaikha Patel Joins Newzroom Afrika as a Contributor for AM Report, SA Celebrates: “Well Deserved”

• South African activist and author Zulaikha Patela has reportedly joined Newzroom Afrika
• Zulaikha Patel is famously known for her bravery in challenging the inequalities in schools regarding hairstyles
• Netizens reacted to the news with congratulatory messages to Zulaikha, wishing her well in her new career

Exciting times are imminent at Newzroom Afrika, as they announced a shake-up in their line-up.

Zulaikha Patel, a well-known child activist, has been announced as a contributor for a new segment called AM Report. Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela took to X on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, to share the wonderful news about Patel's new venture.

"Zulaikha Patel joins Newsroom Afrika. Patel, who at 13 years old challenged racist hair policies in schools, has joined the news channel to host a segment on the newly restructured line-up. The 22-year-old will be a contributor in the segment on AM Report, which will now be anchored by Iman Rappetti, Arabile Gumede and Vaylen Kirtley."

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Speaking about the new changes, including Aldrin Sampear's resignation, the Editor-In-Chief, Mapi Mhlangu, said, "These changes are designed to refresh Newzroom Afrika's programming, using our own homegrown talent, as part of our focus on continuous evolution with our viewers at the centre."

The statement continues by saying, "We have exciting plans for the coming year and these changes set the platform for Newzroom Afrika's continued growth."

Zulaikha on stepping into new venture

On Instagram, Zulaikha opened up about stepping into a new role after taking some time off to focus on her mental health.

"What a radical act it is to come back to yourself after disassociating. This year, I had moments of stillness that required a shift in my life in what I prioritised. For the first time ever, I had to sit in stillness and take care of my mental health. I was challenged to be brave to do this; this required a new kind of bravery."

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Zulaikha gained prominence for defying the alleged racism at Pretoria Girls' High School regarding their hair policies.

Mzansi shared encouraging messages to Zulaikha, wishing her well in her new career.

@sleekcliq exclaimed:

"Yho, they grow up so fast! Congratulations."

@BunnyBarks said:

"The other day, I was thinking of her. I wondered where she was. Congratulations to her."

@Sasalurv celebrated:

"What a beautiful alignment. May this kind of Grace locate my family."

Check out Phil's post below:

More changes at Newzroom Afrika

In a previous report from Briefly News, More changes were happening at Newzroom Afrika. On 5 August 2025, Aldrin Sampear revealed that he has decided to leave Newzroom Afrika and embark on a new, challenging role. Following his road rage incident, Sampear was placed on suspension. However, upon his return, he shared a lengthy post on X announcing that he had landed a job with the Department of Tourism.

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“I resigned because my skills have been sought for different challenges," he said. "I have joined the Department of Tourism under the leadership of Minister Patricia De Lille. This beautiful nation has done so much for me. I’m indebted. State policies like social grants and free primary healthcare helped pull me out of poverty, and journalism was the vehicle,” Aldrin Sampear continued.

Source: Briefly News