Zain holds a degree in Archaeology. His area of research was the trickster character in the rock art of the Matatiele region, depicted by the jackal figure in the paintings. He started at PARI as an intern in the State Reform programme in 2024.

From Johannesburg, Zain holds hope and optimism for the future. He believes that diversity is the nation’s biggest strength, despite the scars of apartheid and the wasted potential of the democratic era. He believes true democracy is citizen-led and political engagement of the population is imperative. Furthermore, he wishes to see a society wherein all people can live with dignity, without fear of discrimination or the ravages of poverty.