Youth Day 2025 – A Dialogue with Zahraa Schroeder
There’s a reason I say that radio people are my people, and Zahraa Schroeder is one such example of why I say so. Zahraa is a Muslim woman swinging for the bleachers on and off the airwaves, having been part of Radio 786’s PodSquad weekend show, Smile 90.4FM and PEP’s FeelgoodFM. Recently, she appeared as a guest on Expresso Morning Show – SABC 3 in her capacity as News and Traffic presenter on GOOD HOPE FM. A dialogue with her seemed fitting after passing each other in the radio world for a long time. Read below!
Tasneem: I love that PodSquad brought together Gen Z & millennials simultaneously. What is the value of bringing together these 2 aged groups on community radio instead of just having them on social media?
Zahraa: Radio and social media can and should work together to create broadcast magic! From my time as a much younger youth (lol), I’ve always been passionate about creating spaces for youngsters of all backgrounds. My local mosque allowed me to channel this passion into amazing projects like Girls Leadership Camps and a First Aid Workshop for Women. When diverse youth come together, they can create something brilliant and innovative! And PodSquad, in my opinion,n was no different. Their unique experiences – millennials having first experienced the pressures of social media and digital connections, and Gen Z seeking authentic new ways to save the planet and spread awareness about injustices – made for some very thought-provoking discussion.
And while both groups are very apt at navigating the digital landscape, community radio and radio is not as “outyds” as some might believe. These days, podcasts are incredibly popular. Meaning that people still love listening to people discuss and debate with one another, exchange ideas and delve deep into topics. But the reality is, many young people cannot spare money for extensive subscriptions or use all their mobile data on hours-long podcasts – good thing radio exists! And community radio is the perfect platform to discuss issues that are affecting youth on an everyday, real level. During my time on PodSquad we delved into some deep, even dark discussions such as the often-deadly effects of bullying and depression. We talked about obesity and hypertension in youth, and even about loving and protecting nature. But I cannot forget the discussion about young people getting married ‘young’ and even going through divorce at a young age. Community radio allowed these topics to be broadcast and enjoyed not only by those within the Muslim community, but anyone tuning in – and WITH the power of social media – it now lives on forever for future youths to learn and love.
Tasneem: Tell us about your mentorship with radio veteran Merentia Van Der Vent at Smile FM and the jump from community to commercial radio. Was this a culture shock for you?
Zahraa: A big shout-out to my mentor and great friend Merentia. Now SHE is a real radio meisie with a love for Afrikaans and Kaaps! Before joining Smile FM, my journalism skills included, but were limited to, field reporting and radio show producing and presenting, but now I had to write bulletins! It sounds easy, but it requires a sharp eye for newsworthy stories, quick eyes that can scan and process lengthy reports, and flighty fingers typing coherent bulletin stories as the clock counts down. Merentia taught me everything I know today, when it comes to analysing, reporting and presenting news. She helped me find my news presenter voice, which sounds totally different to my normal presenting voice, which in turn sounds nothing like my everyday speaking voice, because presenting the news is an important and serious job. Not only was she my mentor, but she is now one of my dearest friends.
Making the move into the commercial radio space was a daunting one. Indeed, I felt like a little fish in a big sea… but now this little fish had more sea to explore! All of my prior radio experience was in the Muslim community radio sphere. It was safe and made me feel happy and connected to my people. But I loved the challenges of commercial radio, and navigating them as a doekie girl!
Tasneem: If you could write a guidebook for South African Muslim women who want to work in commercial media, what would you say to them?
Zahraa: Do it! Being Muslim does not stop us from seeking jobs that bring us goodness and allow us to support our families and contribute to our community. My advice is short and sweet, really. When entering the commercial media space – and any industry – go into it with Allah guiding your decisions. Always make duah for His protection. And when you get paid, always make Shukr to Allah. And always be proud to be who you are. I don’t think there are many loud and proud Muslim women in this commercial space, so remember to take comments, questions and prejudices with grace, educate people with kindness, and set boundaries with confidence.
Never lose yourself. It is important to maintain balance in everything we do. When it is time to work, you work hard. And when it is time to make Salah (pray), you take abdas (Malay term for “ablution”) and make Salah. In all my experiences in this industry, I have never been barred from making Salah, Alhamdullilah. And remember to eat well and drink lots of water. And exercise your bones and muscles, because our bodies can only last as long as we take care of them. South Africa is THE country of the brave and free. And Islam is the religion to give women rights, power and confidence. You got this, girl!
Tasneem: You’ve recently been featured on SABC 3’s Expresso Morning Show in your GOOD FM capacity. Take us into a day in the life of a news and traffic presenter, and what it’s like switching gears between radio and TV.
Zahraa: Each day is different and brings something new, but it all starts with a good breakfast and a little bit of movement. I love to get the blood flowing to prepare for a whole day of being alert and sitting behind the mic (LOL). Then we bring some warmth and cheer at FeelgoodFM, a retail radio station. I love connecting with people and making them feel welcomed and at home. And following this shift, I am off to Sea Point for my role as a news and traffic presenter. Not only does this require a shift in tone, but also in delivery and presence. As a presenter, I need to be warm and cheery, and as a news presenter, I need to be serious and calm. It’s a total shift! And when I’m not behind the mic, I’m content behind the stove or sink, or doing the washing and playing games on the couch.
This was my first time on a TV show! And initially, I was really nervous, mainly because I was just about recovered from the flu. Because this was all on live television! Every mistake or fumble would’ve been captured live. But once we got mic’d up, and sat on the couch, had our makeup done… I started to get really excited. Those same adrenaline feelings I get before going on-air began to bubble up, and I couldn’t wait to talk to the people on the other side of the screen.
Action! The cameras, the lights, and the bustle behind the scenes were something truly amazing to witness and experience. I can only imagine what major TV shows like Oprah’s must’ve looked like! Besides the cameras and different sets, my radio experience really helped keep me steady and confident during the interview, and I wish it didn’t end. I can’t wait to do more TV things in the future, In Shaa Allah.
Tasneem: Radio is also used frequently for brand awareness and advertising. Share more about your recent experience presenting for FeelgoodFM, PEP’s retail radio station exclusive to PEP.
I had the pleasure of joining the FGFM team late last year, and this was my first time in retail radio. It was a big learning curve for me, as presenting for a brand is more particular and specific compared to a music or talk radio station. But this radio meisie loves to be challenged and put under pressure! After completing my training, I am now their weekend presenter, starting with my show on a Friday afternoon, and then ending off the weekend vibes on Sunday. Which was once something foreign and scary, has become a true highlight of my week. It is a delight to connect with customers across the continent, making them feel welcomed in every store and complimenting their shop at PEP. Presenting at FeelgoodFM is all about reminding customers of deals and specials, explaining unique services and competitions and making sure the vibes in store are positive and… feeling good.
Tasneem: Tell us about the magic of blogging and ‘thrifting’. Who were your 3 most exciting blog interviewees, and how do you use your blog and social media to grow your thrifting business?
My blog GirlOnTheBus is my baby. It’s nothing lux, or fancy, it’s just me and my thoughts for everyone to enjoy and connect with. I started my blog more than 5 years ago, and it started as a digital diary, where I would rant or rave about my experiences: foods, holidays, school or beauty products. It later became a platform for other novice writers to share their work with the world. These talented writers were made up of storytellers, poets and those sharing advice or commentary.
I don’t often interview people for my blog, but there have been a few exceptional people I’ve had the honour of chatting with on GirlOnTheBus. Before she blew up with the ‘Best Chicken Wings in Cape Town’, I had the immense pleasure of having a little chat and lunch with Naslie Khan, from Halaal Asian Delights. My conversation with Fatima Hoosain from UpSwingSA about endometriosis was eye-opening and so informative. I use my blog to advocate and discuss many topics regarding periods, menstruation and women’s health, so this one was truly special. Another outstanding feature was with some of the cast members of an SABC-featured show called DiChipi, a local youth-focused drama comedy. Getting to meet some of the cast and share their words of wisdom was an unforgettable moment for GirlOnTheBus.
I started a thrifting business about two years ago, after I found myself without any work. My husband and I were both unemployed at the time, and we needed to make ends meet. This is where thrifting entered the chat! My awesome friends and family helped out too by donating their preloved clothes, shoes and accessories for me to sell at markets or online. It was exciting and daunting, because I had never run a business before, let alone one that I needed to make a profit. But I gained valuable insight into retail, marketing and customer services through my on-the-ground experiences.
I’ve since put my thrifting business in holiday mode since, alhamdullilah, my work life has increased. But during its active days, I used not only my blog but other platforms to share discount codes, important market dates or what I had for sale. But I mainly used my blog to share deeper thoughts with my community, like how hard it was being unemployed again, and having to learn on the “job” to make this new thrifting venture a success. All experiences and lessons, I am incredibly grateful for, alhamdullilah.
Tasneem Daniels is a multimedia writer with a 10-year combined portfolio in media, education, arts and entertainment. Her interests include studying up on my Cape Malay Indonesian heritage and using my English teaching abroad pursuits to further build my creative businesses.
Zahraa Schroeder writes articles about climate change, world conflict and celebrities. She received her Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies from Damelin, and has garnered more than four years’ experience in the radio industry.
