Johannesburg, South Africa – 28 February 2024 – International human rights activist, speaker, and author Zulaikha Patel is set to release her second book, Brave Like Me! published by Pan Macmillan SA. The book is an inspiring story of courage, resilience, and the power of young voices.

At just 13 years old, Patel became a national symbol of youth activism when she led the #StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh movement, taking a stand against discriminatory school policies that targeted Black girls’ natural hair. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equality has since positioned her as one of South Africa’s most influential young voices in the fight for human rights.

Now, through Brave Like Me! published by Pan Macmillan SA, Patel shares her journey in her own words, giving young readers a powerful message about standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. The book is brought to life through bold and expressive illustrations by Nicci Martin, ensuring that Patel’s story is accessible, engaging, and impactful for a broad audience.

"This book is for every young person who has ever felt unheard, unseen, or powerless," says Patel. "I want them to know that their voice matters, their story matters, and they have the power to create change. I hope this book inspires young people to take action and believe in their ability to shape the world around them."

A Book with a Mission: Inspiring Young Changemakers More than just a personal story, Brave Like Me! is a call to action for young people everywhere. It encourages readers to think critically about social justice, equality, and the impact they can have in their communities. Patel hopes that by sharing her experiences, young readers will be empowered to speak out against injustice and drive meaningful change.

The book aligns with Patel’s broader activism through her non-profit organization, Dare to Change, which is dedicated to promoting literacy, education, and youth empowerment. A key initiative of Dare to Change is setting up library corners in under-resourced schools, ensuring that more children have access to books and educational materials.

"I want this book to be more than just my story—it should be a tool for transformation," Patel adds. "Access to books and education plays a crucial role in empowering young people, and I am committed to making sure that as many children as possible get the opportunity to read, learn, and dream."

A Celebration of Diversity and Representation Brave Like Me! will be published in multiple South African languages, including isiXhosa, isiZulu, English, Afrikaans, and Patel’s home language, isiNdebele, ensuring that its message reaches a wide and diverse audience. The book aims to reflect the experiences of young African readers and celebrate their stories in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.

The collaboration with illustrator Nicci Martin, a South African artist based in Prague, adds a visually captivating element to the book. Martin’s illustrations bring Patel’s journey to life with vibrant colours and dynamic imagery, making Brave Like Me! a compelling read for young audiences.

Pre-Orders Now Open Although the book has not yet been released, pre-orders are now open, giving readers the chance to be among the first to experience Patel’s latest work. With growing excitement around the book’s launch, Patel is also working with key partners to expand its reach and impact.

Pre-order now: Wordsworth | Loot

Media Contact For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact: Nosipho Memela Nosiphom@alfadestiny.co.za 084 628 3291

Pan Macmillan Publicist Helené Coetzee +27 82 449 8825 helene@panmacmillan.co.za

About the Author Zulaikha Patel is an internationally recognized human rights activist, speaker, and author. She first rose to prominence for her role in the #StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh movement, challenging institutional discrimination in South African schools. Since then, she has become a leading advocate for social justice, education, and youth empowerment. Patel is currently pursuing an LLB degree at the University of South Africa while leading her non-profit, Dare to Change, which focuses on providing access to literacy, education, and advocacy programs for young people.