Nadia Cassim
Nadia Cassim is a writer, artist and financial advisor. She graduated with honours from the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Witwatersrand before pursuing fine art. Her paintings have been exhibited in two solo shows and showcased at the Women’s Jail at Constitution Hill. In 2023, her artwork When Blood Ties Become Blood Chains was featured in the Ake Review.
In 2012, she founded IRTIQA, a modern Muslim women’s magazine, which she led for eight years before focusing on writing. In 2023, she was selected for the Bosberg Books Writing Residency. Her short fiction has appeared in anthologies published by Modjaji Books, Brittle Paper and Umuofia Arts and Books Festival. Forthcoming publications include short fiction by Mirari Press and her debut novel, Not Another Samoosa Run, by Kwela Books.
"Real romance is more complex" – an interview with Nadia Cassim
2026-02-25"My advice to other writers is simple: Write what is truly on your heart, without overthinking how it will be received. When you write from an honest place, you’re rarely wrong."
Do we still feel safe enough to invest in romance?
2026-02-18Cliffordene Norton spoke to three romance authors and asked them whether they think people in South Africa feel emotionally and socially safe enough to fall in love. The answers were layered. "History shows that people fall in love regardless of circumstances ... During wars, plagues, political unrest. Falling in love is not always a rational act; it happens."
Short.Sharp.Stories anthology, Power: interview with Nadia Cassim, author of "The stairs she climbed"
2025-08-20"The fight for justice, and for what you love, can be a powerful motivator, often compelling people either to step up or to step away. That’s the emotional truth I wanted to capture."