A love forged in gold

YOU have heard of enduring love stories.

- RAVI GOVENDER

ZAKIA Ahmed-Siddiqi and Safee Siddiqi. | Facebook

They abound in daily life and more so in works of fiction and poetry.Among others we had Adam and Eve; Samson and Delilah; although that was short-lived, especially his hair; Caesar and Cleopatra; Romeo and Juliet; and Heathcliff and Catherine of Wuthering Heights fame.

Of more recent, we had the likes of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Michael and Shakira Caine, Sean Connery and his beloved Micheline, to name a few.

However, that is delving into the giddy world of stars. Let’s get down to earth with a resounding bump and let me tell you the captivating story of our local people. Yes, we are capable of love stories, many that transcend even death. This is a couple that had a profound impact in my life, and I loved and respected them until the sad passing on of both.

When I began my incursion into radio broadcasting, this wonderful duo basically took me through the rites of passage, albeit unknowingly.

It was by accepting this novice, and leading by example. What better role models could I have had other than the saintly Safee Siddiqi and the wowsome Zakia AhmedSiddiqi? I looked forward to standing in on the talk shows on Lotus FM on a Wednesday at 8pm. It was because Safee Bhai ended his shift then and I could spend a few precious moments in his warm company.

When | entered the studio, he would move to an advert or spin a disc so that he could greet me and welcome me with a hug. He would enquire about my day, my parents and my health. In his presence, you felt like the most important person in the world.

“Grrrrrrrrrreeeeetinnnngs!”

When that was heard, it heralded another special hour on radio with the uber-talented poet, playwright and presenter Safee Siddiqi. It was a special, precious time which you spent with the much-loved doyen of radio.