In April, a young activist and a first-year Bachelor of Arts in Politics student, Zulaikha Patel (18) published a children's book called "My Coily Crown Hair" which is now found on the shelves of big retail stores.
During the interview with the Weekly Bulletin, Patel said the purpose of the colorful book is to encourage and affirm young girls to be proud of their identity.
"This book is dedicated to all black girls across the world because they are made of nothing but pure magic,"
Patel added. In the book, Patel addresses the issue of afro hair woes from the perspective of a 7-year-old girl who draws courage from her mother, grandmother, and the African queen to celebrate her hair.
Five years ago, as a former leaner at Pretoria High School together with other African leaners staged a protest over the school policy on black hair. Now she is making waves once again, this time as an author of "My Coily Crowny Hair".
Patel says the book features creative ways in which children can style their hair. These include an Afro, braids, Bantu knots, Ben and Betty, twists, a tied-up photo (bun), and many others.
There's hope to black girls who want to keep their Afro "The book tells the story of Lisakhanya, who feels like a queen when wearing braids and this is my love letter to you. Your beauty, your power, your magic, your ability … I've written this book for you," she said.
"I am filled with joy and pride to finally introduce you to the first book I've authored and published by Linguafranca publishers.
The book foreword is written by an actress and television personality. Nomzamo Mbatha an actress and TV personality. She said Mbatha has been her motivation at an early age.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development, Gender Youth and Disability Mainstreaming (GYDM) Directorate, Deputy Director Even Machabi welcomed the book launch and promised to invite her during the girl forum meeting to motivate them.
Machabi's say their directorate intends to host an internal youth day event where they are targeting interns.
"We would like to invite her to be part of our events to build self-esteem to our young and upcoming future leaders, "