Photo Instagram / @artby.aiesha
South Africa – Safeera Kaka, a Presenter at CII Radio, perceives Islamic media as a form of media dedicated to community service. It operates distinctively, unswayed by monetary gain, praise, or acknowledgement. Its essence lies in amplifying the voices of individuals at the grassroots level, sharing their struggles, viewpoints, and stories.
For Safeera, Islamic media embodies participation in and contributing to the community, using diverse media platforms to assist and empower individuals in establishing secure and sustainable environments.
“Islamic media is a lot about giving back to our community. It’s not about the money, it’s not about the fame, and it’s not about the accolades. We don’t even get accolades in Islamic media itself. It’s about being at a grassroots level and [serving] humanity through our platforms.”
The Importance of Utilising Various Media Platforms
From age six, Safeera displayed a natural talent for public speaking despite her inherent reserved nature. Over the years, she diligently refined her abilities, establishing platforms for regular individuals to converse about diverse subjects and express their thoughts and perspectives.
This is where Safeera’s prowess as a media figure truly shines. She designs programs that delve into various topics and actively encourages her audience to share their accomplishments, obstacles, and solutions.
“People want to be heard. It’s not only a platform for extraordinary people, people in the media or people who are at the very top of their careers. I want to give a platform to people. The lady who had to start a business at the age of 50 to support her family or the lady, as you know, after divorce with her children went back to studying, and she wanted to empower herself through that avenue. To somebody who’s doing fantastic work in the field of politics or even business or entrepreneurship or even fashion and food. Those are the women that I want to feature and the stories that I want to share.”
SMread| ‘Expansion of gangsterism’ – analyst on BRICS expansion
The Responsibility to Mentor the Next Generation
Safeera credits her achievements to the individuals who preceded her in the media industry, especially the women who have served as mentors and advisors throughout her career.
With the increased exposure, access, and opportunities that technology offers, Safeera recognises mentorship holds a much greater significance than ever before. Consequently, she encourages experienced women in the media to embrace the responsibility of guiding, advising, and educating the upcoming generation of journalists.
“Mentorship is extremely important within our community. I appeal to all women in Islamic media, especially all the veterans, to take on this responsibility of honing the next generation, advising and teaching them. We will never be around forever, [but] the work we do will continue forever if we cement solid legacies.”
