Hakima Haithar, was born in Nairobi, Kenya, she is now a permanent resident in South Africa since Jan 2003. She is finalising her honours degree at the Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg in Forced Migration. She holds a diploma in business management from the Kenya Institute of Management. She worked as a part time researcher with the Forced Migration Studies programme in 2006-2007 on migrants in South Africa. She co-published an articled with Loren Landau in the Mail & Guardian on the Somalis that where being attached by the locals in Port Elizabeth's township of Motherwell. Was part of a panel on SABC live show Africa Views on forced migration on the continent as well as female genital mutilation. She also did an interview with SAFM radio on the attacks by the locals on the Somalis in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth.

She is currently the administrator for ANSA-Africa as well as the Liaison officer for the Economic Governance Programme in Idasa. She previously worked for the citizens' community empowerment program in Idasa as an administrator as well as coordinated study tours for the DRC-Idasa programme under the safety and security program. Previous to Idasa she worked with Amnesty International South Africa and was responsible for the membership, co-ordinated the Human Rights defenders programme as well as assisted with campaign work. Previous to Amnesty International worked as a senior sales executive in Nairobi at tile & Carpet centre, an interior firm-dealt with homeowners, Architects and interior designers. She co-started her own travel company with a friend and organised local tours. Also worked as an artist manager on a part time basis with Showcase promotions, Nairobi. Promoting shows and artist management during concerts.