Since being crowned Miss South Africa in 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida has been winning people over with her beauty and steadfast commitment to advocating for mental health and reproductive health. Here, we catch up with Shudufhadzo to get to know what she’s been up to.
As she continues her journey beyond the crown, we wonder what life has been like after being crowned Miss South Africa 2020.
"Life after winning Miss South Africa has been incredibly busy yet fulfilling. I’ve found myself juggling various commitments. It’s been a lot, but I’m passionate about my advocacy work in mental health and empowering young people. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities, which I’m grateful for as it keeps me on my toes.“
Shudufhadzo has been balancing life between two cities – New York and Johannesburg. What brings her to New York? Well, she is living out her dreams in the big apple as she pursues further education, serving as an inspiration to young women to reach for the stars when it comes to their education. But we were curious to know what culture shock has Shudufhadzo experienced so far during her time in New York.
"One of the biggest culture shocks I’ve experienced in New York has definitely been the noise. It's constant. Coming from South Africa, where I’m used to more peaceful surroundings, it was overwhelming at first. But over time, I’m learning to adjust."
As she continues making moves, she was also in Montreal, Canada to attend the 2024 One Young World Summit as a counsellor. One Young World is a global event that brings together young leaders to address important issues such as health, social justice, sustainability, and more. As a counsellor, Shudufhadzo contributed her insights on humanitarian efforts, mental health advocacy, and leadership, sharing her experiences and supporting other delegates in their journeys. Not to mention she delivered a show stopping performance too.
Shudufhadzo also joined the TEDx community with a compelling talk titled “Making Mental Health Matter” where she emphasised the significance of mental health awareness and education. How did she feel in the moment?
“I felt an overwhelming mix of nerves and excitement. I took it as a storytelling opportunity rather than delivering a flawless speech. It was about connecting with the audience on a deeper level. It felt incredible to transform my nerves into something meaningful."
With the success of your children’s book, I am Shudu, are there any plans of releasing another book in the near future?
“Not any time soon. Writing will always be a passion of mine, but right now my focus and energy is towards my studies. I want to make sure I’m fully present in my academic journey.”
Along with “former Miss South Africa” attached to her name, Shudufhadzo also holds the titles of humanitarian, author and mental health champion, but how does she manage to find balance between her career and personal life?
“I am surrounded by a strong support system that encourages me along the way and understands the demands of my work. They help me navigate through the complexities of my career, allowing me to prioritise my mental health.”
What would you consider to be the most fulfilling part of your career?
"The most fulfilling part of my career has been witnessing people find their purpose and passion. Seeing someone light up when they realise their potential is incredibly rewarding. I believe that helping others discover their own paths can create a ripple effect of positive change in communities. It’s moments like these that motivate me to keep pushing forward."
