Zahida Shaikjee, a physiotherapist and integrative movement-based therapist, brings more than 30 years of professional experience to her practice. Her journey spans continents and disciplines, and she is deeply committed to integrating holistic healing into her work.
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Shaikjee’s path to healthcare started early. “I did my schooling and tertiary education in Johannesburg,” she shares. “I started with a bachelor of science (BSc) degree as a stepping stone before transitioning into physiotherapy at Wits University.”
This foundation set her on a path of lifelong learning and service.
Travelling and finding a new home
After completing her studies, Shaikjee’s professional journey led her to Cape Town, a city she now calls her “adopted home”.
“I worked in Cape Town for just under three years before deciding to expand my horizons,” she recounts. She spent nearly 12 years abroad, gaining invaluable experience and exposure to diverse healthcare systems. “It’s been 18 years since I returned to Cape Town, and it’s hard to believe how much has changed and grown in that time.”
Shaikjee’s career is not merely a collection of years but a tapestry of experiences that inform her unique approach to therapy.
“I try to integrate all I’ve learned in the various places I’ve worked to better serve my clients.”
Her focus on combining physiotherapy with yoga highlights her belief in addressing both the physical and emotional well-being of her patients.
Family plays a central role in Shaikjee’s life story, shaping both her personal and professional identity. She describes her family as a “blended tapestry” that has evolved.
A medical family
“My parents divorced when I was 16, and I have a twin sister and a younger brother, both in the medical profession,” she explains. “My sister, Zakira, is a pharmacist, and my brother, Shiraaz, is a doctor,” she adds proudly.
The family expanded further when Shaikjee’s parents remarried. “My father had a daughter in his second marriage, and my mother had two children a son and a daughter. From three siblings, we blossomed into six. I can’t imagine life without my other siblings now,” she reflects warmly.
Though she has no children of her own, she cherishes her role as an aunt. “I have delightful nieces and nephews who bring so much joy into my life,” she says.
Her single status is a choice she embraces fully: “I’ve had opportunities to marry but never felt it was the right path for me. I’m happily single and focused on living a balanced and fulfilling life.”
When asked about the challenges and joys of her personal journey, Shaikjee’s reflections are grounded in gratitude. She acknowledges the influence of her late parents. “My parents taught me resilience and the value of connection, even in the face of change and loss.”
Her approach to life is characterised by intentionality and mindfulness. “Keeping life as balanced as I can is a priority for me,” she says. This philosophy extends to her work, where Shaikjee seeks to harmonize the physical and emotional aspects of healing.
“It’s about treating the whole person, not just the symptoms,” she explains.
From her roots in Johannesburg to her global professional experiences and her enduring ties to Cape Town, she exemplifies a commitment to learning, family, and holistic well-being.
In a world often defined by rapid changes and fragmented connections, Shaikjee’s approach offers a refreshing perspective, one that values integration, balance, and the profound impact of human connection.
“For me, it’s all about weaving together the threads of experience, family, and professional expertise to create something meaningful,” she concludes.
Listen to the full interview on the Health For Mzansi podcast:
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