Destiny, the invisible force that intertwines lives, has a way of bringing two souls together in the most unexpected of circumstances … This is the story of Zahid and Zahida, two individuals united by fate, embarking on a journey of love, purpose, and the pursuit of crunching numbers.
When Zahid and Zahida Fakey first crossed paths during their first year doing a BAcc degree at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal ittle did they know that their encounter would set in motion a beautiful symphony of love and shared ambitions. They mirrored each other, like reflections in a looking glass, as if destiny had carefully orchestrated their meeting. Perhaps it was their shared destiny to become accountants, to blend their lives into one harmonious melody.
Zahida had taken a gap year to explore her interests in anthropology and languages before deciding to pursue a career in accounting. Being a year older than Zahid, it was only through her gap year that their paths converged, landing them in the same Accounting I class. Fate had interwoven their destinies, and Zahid’s success with accounting pick-up lines became irrelevant. Instead, he wooed Zahida with a heartfelt poem bearing her name, a testament to his creativity and genuine admiration.
When does one know you’ve found the one? Love often finds its roots in the most unexpected moments of connection. For Zahida, that moment arrived when Zahid shared a childhood photograph of himself. As she gazed into his innocent eyes, a sense of familiarity overwhelmed her. It was as if she was looking at herself, a mirror image of her own being. This realisation, coupled with Zahid’s integrity and genuine affection, created a bond that resonated deep within her heart. Looking back, Zahida recognises that this was the defining moment when she knew Zahid was the one.
Who is the big spender, you may ask. In matters of spending, Zahid holds the title of big spender. Initially, this disparity in spending habits posed a challenge, as Zahida naturally leaned towards caution. However, through observing Zahid’s approach to finances, she gradually learned that being fixated on money restricts its flow. Big spenders often possess generous natures, and Zahid’s openness allows Zahida to embrace her own spending habits freely. It’s a harmonious balance that has fostered trust and understanding between them.
The power of their shared knowledge as CAs(SA) has enabled Zahid and Zahida to embark on a journey aligned with their purpose. Together, they founded weFEEDsa, a charity dedicated to combating South Africa’s socio-economic challenges, and particularly high unemployment. While living abroad, the couple witnessed the deep-rooted impact of unemployment on their beloved country and felt a burning desire to make a difference. Destiny once again played its part when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, creating a unique opportunity for change. Zahid’s corporate experience led him to run the command centre, facilitating the provision of 12 000 meals a day to Durban’s homeless. With Zahida by his side, weFEEDsa was born, and four years later, it continues to thrive. Leveraging their expertise as CAs, they run the nonprofit organisation with a corporate mindset, inspiring confidence in donors and fostering a sense of ‘Business for Good’.
In conclusion, Zahid and Zahida love story is a testament to the power of destiny and the beauty of mirroring souls. Their journey from chance encounter to a harmonious partnership built on love, respect, and shared values is truly remarkable. Their relationship is adorned with playful nicknames, a testament to Zahid’s creative wordplay and the light-heartedness they bring to each other’s lives. Together, they aspire to create positive change in their beloved country, utilising their careers as chartered accountants to drive social improvement, increase employment opportunities, and uplift communities.
Author
Sharon Manzini, Digital Publishing Intern, Dip in Journalism
