Former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida declares ‘Power is knowing that your presence in the room is not a favour - it's necessary'
Winning Miss South Africa in 2020 was neither the beginning nor end of Shudufhadzo Musida's journey. Her perspective, shaped by her upbringing across both rural and urban areas, influenced her leadership style and advocacy priorities.
This duality informs her work as an author of two impactful children's books 'Shudu finds her magic' and 'I Am Shudu: Finding My Voice and Knowing My Strength.'
Recently honoured with an appointment as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) global champion for women and girls, Musida continues to build a legacy that transcends her beauty pageant achievements.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida)
In a one-on-one with TRUELOVE, she shares more on her journey and the advocacy she stands for.
Her mental health advocacy
'We've seen studies—for example, in the UK—showing a 20 percent rise in anxiety and depression in high school students post-COVID. But this didn't come out of nowhere. The pandemic simply exposed what was already there,' she shares, noting her passion in emotional literacy, especially starting in childhood.
Her first book, Shudu Finds Her Magic, introduces mental health concepts to children in an age-appropriate way while her latest, I Am Shudu: Finding My Voice and Knowing My Strength, builds on that by helping older children and teens develop the language to articulate their emotions.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida)
She believes that to improve our mental healthcare access there needs to be a full integration of mental health services into our public health system.
'At the moment, mental health support is often limited to crisis care - if it's available at all - especially in rural and township communities. But mental health should be treated with the same urgency and normalcy as physical health. You go to the clinic for a flu - why not for your mental wellbeing too?'
Stepping into a room as the voice of people
Growing up in the village showed Shudufhadzo what a lack of privilege and access looks like. She notes how in many rural areas, people don't have the same basic services — healthcare, mental health support, quality education, or even awareness of the full spectrum of careers that exist.
'In some places, children don't even know that being a creative, an artist, a strategist — or even a public speaker — is possible. And beyond imagination, the infrastructure is missing too. Many rural schools still lack proper ICT infrastructure, and without that, how do you compete in the digital world?' she notes.
That lived experience gives her perspective. It keeps her mindful in every conversation — whether it's about youth inclusion, education reform, or leadership:
'True leadership is not just about making it out. It's about holding the door open, making space, and ensuring that the people you grew up with are not left behind — that they too are part of the future we're building.'
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by UNFPA (@unfpa)
Heritage and identity
Shudufhadzo will always be remembered for the iconic moment she wore the Miss South Africa crown with her short hair. Speaking to us, she reveals that the look wasn't meant to be a political statement:
'When I entered Miss South Africa with short natural hair, it wasn't a political statement — I just felt like it. Only later did I realise the impact it had. I didn't grow up wearing my natural hair, and even when I did, I often felt it wasn't good enough.'
Since winning Miss South Africa, her understanding of power has evolved in many ways.
'For me, Miss SA was a platform, a powerful one, but it didn't define what power is to me. Power is not fame. It's not about being recognised in public or having influence for influence's sake. Real power, to me, is the ability to shift narratives, influence policy, redistribute resources, and show up in spaces in a way that opens doors for others.'
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
3 hours ago
- News24
Former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida declares ‘Power is knowing that your presence in the room is not a favour - it's necessary'
Winning Miss South Africa in 2020 was neither the beginning nor end of Shudufhadzo Musida's journey. Her perspective, shaped by her upbringing across both rural and urban areas, influenced her leadership style and advocacy priorities. This duality informs her work as an author of two impactful children's books 'Shudu finds her magic' and 'I Am Shudu: Finding My Voice and Knowing My Strength.' Recently honoured with an appointment as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) global champion for women and girls, Musida continues to build a legacy that transcends her beauty pageant achievements. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida) In a one-on-one with TRUELOVE, she shares more on her journey and the advocacy she stands for. Her mental health advocacy 'We've seen studies—for example, in the UK—showing a 20 percent rise in anxiety and depression in high school students post-COVID. But this didn't come out of nowhere. The pandemic simply exposed what was already there,' she shares, noting her passion in emotional literacy, especially starting in childhood. Her first book, Shudu Finds Her Magic, introduces mental health concepts to children in an age-appropriate way while her latest, I Am Shudu: Finding My Voice and Knowing My Strength, builds on that by helping older children and teens develop the language to articulate their emotions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida) She believes that to improve our mental healthcare access there needs to be a full integration of mental health services into our public health system. 'At the moment, mental health support is often limited to crisis care - if it's available at all - especially in rural and township communities. But mental health should be treated with the same urgency and normalcy as physical health. You go to the clinic for a flu - why not for your mental wellbeing too?' Stepping into a room as the voice of people Growing up in the village showed Shudufhadzo what a lack of privilege and access looks like. She notes how in many rural areas, people don't have the same basic services — healthcare, mental health support, quality education, or even awareness of the full spectrum of careers that exist. 'In some places, children don't even know that being a creative, an artist, a strategist — or even a public speaker — is possible. And beyond imagination, the infrastructure is missing too. Many rural schools still lack proper ICT infrastructure, and without that, how do you compete in the digital world?' she notes. That lived experience gives her perspective. It keeps her mindful in every conversation — whether it's about youth inclusion, education reform, or leadership: 'True leadership is not just about making it out. It's about holding the door open, making space, and ensuring that the people you grew up with are not left behind — that they too are part of the future we're building.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by UNFPA (@unfpa) Heritage and identity Shudufhadzo will always be remembered for the iconic moment she wore the Miss South Africa crown with her short hair. Speaking to us, she reveals that the look wasn't meant to be a political statement: 'When I entered Miss South Africa with short natural hair, it wasn't a political statement — I just felt like it. Only later did I realise the impact it had. I didn't grow up wearing my natural hair, and even when I did, I often felt it wasn't good enough.' Since winning Miss South Africa, her understanding of power has evolved in many ways. 'For me, Miss SA was a platform, a powerful one, but it didn't define what power is to me. Power is not fame. It's not about being recognised in public or having influence for influence's sake. Real power, to me, is the ability to shift narratives, influence policy, redistribute resources, and show up in spaces in a way that opens doors for others.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida)
WebMD
4 hours ago
- WebMD
My Advocacy Bookshelf: Eczema Reads that Changed My Life
If I had to list every book that has shaped my journey as an eczema advocate, we would be here all day. Narrowing it down to just three wasn't easy, but I wanted to highlight the ones that profoundly impacted me. These books didn't just teach me something new, they shifted how I approach my own life with eczema and how I support others living with chronic conditions. Disability Visibility by Alice Wong I remember first reading about a book that was listed in books that help people understand their chronic illness better. I'll admit it, I thought the title was pretty catchy, too, and I always love reading essays from people regardless of the topic. Reading Disability Visibility was a transformative experience for me. This powerful collection of essays by disabled writers offered insights that challenged my previous perspectives. It taught me that disability encompasses a vast range of experiences and highlighted how our society often imposes unnecessary challenges on disabled people. These writings truly stood out to me. It was so incredible, I had to keep my notes open on my phone to jot down all the impactful quotes. One quote from the book that particularly resonated with me is by Liz Moore, who writes: 'People ask me, 'Have you tried yoga? Kombucha? This special water?' And I don't have the energy to explain that yes, I've tried them. I've tried crystals and healing drum circles and prayer, and everything. What I want to try is acceptance. I want to see what happens if I can simply accept myself for who I am. … ' Moore's words capture the exhausting cycle of trying countless unsolicited advice, which is all too familiar. I found relatability with people whose stories, while different from mine, echoed familiar themes of resilience, advocacy, and self-acceptance. It challenged me to think about eczema not just as a medical condition but as a lived experience that shapes identity and community. This book helped me reclaim the narrative around my skin, giving me the courage to speak more openly about the challenges and triumphs that come with managing eczema. The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World by Tiffany Yu Last October, I attended Chronicon in NYC, and as I walked in, a bright orange book was placed on every chair. I hadn't heard of it before, but I was instantly curious and eager to dive into its pages. The book was written by Tiffany Yu, who shared her powerful story of resilience and advocacy. At just 9 years old, she was involved in a car accident that left her with a brachial plexus injury, resulting in permanent paralysis of her right arm. Tragically, the accident also claimed her father's life. Despite this life-altering experience, she went on to build a successful career as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, then became a disability advocate. Her manifesto is a bold call to action, challenging not just systemic barriers but also the way society perceives disability. This book dives into topics like workplace accommodations and the subtle everyday microaggressions people with disabilities often face. I found myself connecting deeply with the sections about how ableism intersects with chronic illness. It made me reflect on my own experiences with eczema, particularly the ways health care conversations can impact self-worth. She teaches us that change doesn't always come in big, sweeping gestures; it's often rooted in the everyday actions of those who dare to speak up and support one another. How to Live Well with Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide by Toni Bernhard This is an older book that I read some time ago, and I can't quite recall how I came across it, but I do remember how profoundly it moved me at the time. Toni Bernhard, a lifelong educator who was teaching at UC-Davis, discovered that her immune system was in overdrive due to chronic fatigue syndrome, now referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Toni talked about her spiritual connection to Buddhism and how, once she got sick, she had to set that aside to focus on her health. Her book shared practical ways to cope with the unpredictability of chronic illness while nurturing a sense of calm and acceptance. As someone living with eczema, I know firsthand how some days my skin feels like it's on fire, while other days, I barely notice the flare-ups. Reading her words was a gentle reminder to make peace with my body, even on tough days. Managing my skin's unpredictability calls for self-compassion. Toni's insights taught me to be kinder to myself and to understand that living well doesn't always mean being symptom-free, it's about finding small moments of peace even in the midst of discomfort. These three books have shaped how I advocate, how I heal, and hold space for others. While I continue to add to my bookshelf, these three will always hold a special place. I hope to one day contribute my own voice to the conversation by writing a book that shares my realities of living with eczema (and food and environmental allergies). Until then, I'll keep reading, learning, and advocating, one page at a time.
CNET
5 hours ago
- CNET
I Couldn't Fall Asleep Without Spiraling. These 5 Tricks Finally Helped
If your brain won't shut off at bedtime and you're stuck wide awake, spiraling through worst-case scenarios, you're not alone. Anxiety has a way of showing up right when you're trying to fall asleep, and there's a scientific reason for that. When your body senses stress, it releases cortisol, a hormone meant to keep you alert and ready for danger. Unfortunately, that also means you're left staring at the ceiling while your mind races. It's a frustrating cycle: Anxiety disrupts your sleep, and the lack of sleep makes your anxiety even worse the next day. But the good news is there are ways to break it. With a few simple strategies rooted in science and psychology, you can calm your nervous system and finally get the rest you need. If you're tired of tossing and turning, these expert-backed tips might be the key to falling and staying asleep. Want more? We've got more. Find out the sleep anxiety trick a CNET editor swears by, how to curb Sunday scaries and how to fall asleep when anxious. Read more: Best Mental Health Apps 1. Make your nighttime routine a ritual Not only does a routine help you relax enough to fall asleep, but it also helps combat stress and reduces symptoms of anxiety. Your nighttime routine will help keep you focused on relaxation and sleep. Everyone's routine is going to look different. Maybe yours includes light yoga or an hour of journaling to reflect on your day. Whatever it is, it's important to stick to your nightly routine when you find it -- do it at the same time and in the same order each night. Completing tasks in your nightly routine will signal to your brain that it's time to start winding down for sleep. Another mini tip within this tip: Don't lay in bed awake. If you climb into bed and find that you're not falling asleep, don't stay in bed. Instead, get up and do something relaxing, like read a book or take a bubble bath. The last thing you want to do is associate your bed with scrolling through social media or watching TV. 2. Don't drink too much I know this one can be a bit of a bummer, but what you eat and drink can affect your anxiety and how you sleep. Caffeine relates to anxiety and sleep in two ways. First, too much caffeine can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. The second is the obvious one; caffeine keeps you awake. As a rule, you should avoid drinking caffeine for 6 hours before you go to bed. Alcohol can also affect your anxiety symptoms and sleep by throwing off your circadian rhythm. Even if you find it easier to fall asleep after a few cocktails, many people wake up a few hours later when their body metabolizes the alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol at least 4 hours before you go to sleep. 3. Use a meditation app Meditation apps are a quick and easy way to help yourself relax and fall asleep. Research shows that meditation can reduce stress and anxiety levels. It also reduces your blood pressure and heart rate. With the best meditation apps, you choose from guided meditations, deep breathing exercises or calming stories. There are a ton of options out there. Top meditation apps even have guided segments from celebrities like Harry Styles or Idris Elba.4. Add a weighted blanket to your bed Weighted blankets have been found to be an effective way to help calm anxiety and help you fall asleep, thanks to what's called deep-pressure stimulation. A 2020 study found that people who use a weighted blanket have lower rates of insomnia and anxiety. Using a weighted blanket isn't the only thing you should do, but it is an easy way to integrate comfort into your nightly routine. You can choose from the hundreds of options on the market or even make your own weighted blanket. Weighted blanket pro tip! Weighted blankets are a must if you live with anxiety. If you're in the market for one, try the Luna Weighted Blanket. We consider it the best overall weighted blanket because it's soft and breathable. Details $80 at Amazon 5. Acknowledge your anxiety All the tips in the world won't help you sleep easier with anxiety if you don't acknowledge you're feeling anxious. Whatever you're feeling -- stressed, scared or worried -- accept it so you can address it. It's a good idea to try to incorporate stress-relieving activities into your daily routine to help keep things from building up at night. Try a daily walk or other exercises to reduce anxiety. There's no set time frame for when you'll start falling asleep faster -- it likely won't be instantaneous. If you find that your anxiety is continually getting the best of your sleep, it may be time to talk to someone. The sleep advice doesn't end here. Also see the seven natural sleep aids for insomnia, which foods to eat to make you tired and why you should prioritize your sleep needs.
