Latest news with #ShudufhadzoMusida
News24
09-06-2025
- Health
- 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)
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Shudufhadzo Musida chats SA Style Award, Columbia University studies
Author, mental health advocate and former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida has completed her first year at Columbia University in New York City, where she is pursuing a master's degree in international affairs. Musida was also among the celebrities honoured at the 2025 South African Style Awards in Johannesburg on Sunday for Most Innovative Style — recognised for her distinctive personal expression and commitment to redefining beauty and identity through creativity and achievement. 'My relationship with fashion has come full circle,' Musida told TimesLIVE in New York. 'In high school I was different. I loved 1990s bohemian looks — boho chic. So I think the first time I wore a ball gown, I was 18 — wore it once, never wore it again. I only got into them during the [Miss SA] pageant. I'm a creative at heart.' The 28-year-old Miss South Africa 2020 reflected on her style evolution and personal style. 'My personal style depends on my mood, but it's definitely about feeling comfortable. I don't follow trends — I draw from different eras to show different parts of myself. I'm an 'old soul', but also playful — a tomboy who sometimes loves to dress up.' Musida, who was born in Ha-Masia, Limpopo, felt fulfilled after her first year at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs. 'Living in New York has been one of the greatest gifts of my life,' she said. 'I'm focusing on economic and political development with a specialisation in leadership, innovation and design. 'I miss South Africa, but being able to do my masters at a school I've wanted to go to for the past 10 years has been an unforgettable life moment. I'm grateful to Phumzile [Mlambo-Ngcuka, former deputy president of South Africa] and so many who have helped make this journey possible. 'The experience of being Miss South Africa is something I'll forever be proud of. Another highlight has been the privilege of working with the UN Population Fund and witnessing the extraordinary efforts to advance gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and mental wellbeing.'
News24
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
See all the 2025 SA Style Award winners
The SA Style Awards are about more than just fashion, they're a celebration of creativity, innovation and the business of style. For the 2025 awards, it has teamed up with local luxury paint brand Versus Paint for a one-of-a-kind collaboration that brings colour and personality together. The awards took place on 25 May 2025 at Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg, South Africa. It showcases style and business innovators who continue to elevate the benchmark for excellence and race towards global success In honour of the winners, the brand has created 14 bespoke paint shades, each one inspired by the unique energy, flair and influence of a winner. It is style reimaged in colour. Most Innovative Style - Former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida - Fashion model Yuri Pailman View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida) View this post on Instagram A post shared by YURI (@yuripailman) Most Stylish Performing Artist in Film/TV - Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa Most Stylish Media Personality - Leandie du Randt Most Stylish Fashion Designer - Mzukisi Mbane Most Stylish Model - Denetric and Lebo Malope View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebo Malope (@lebo_malope2) Most Stylish Business Personality - Lala Tuku Most Stylish Couple - Katleho Sinivasan and Omuhle Gela Most Stylish Changemaker - Douw Steyn (posthumous) The Next Big Thing: - Actress Makoma Mohale - TV presenter Zanele Potelwa Style Icon
The Herald
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Connie Ferguson, Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Makoma Mohale win big at SA Style Awards
'I'm at a loss for words. It is such a special moment in my life and having been considered for this award is touching,' Mohale said. 'Especially considering that in the four years of being in this industry, I've been focused and my work has always been at the centre, I never thought people were watching. I knew one day I would receive my award in the industry, but I never thought it would be this soon. I'm grateful.' Other winners included former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida and model Yuri Pailman for Most Innovative Style. Mlotshwa was named Most Stylish Performing Artist in Film/TV, while actor-cum-businesswoman Lala Tuku walked away with Most Stylish Business Personality. BFFs Omuhle Gela and Sinivasan were named Most Stylish Couple, while the winner for Most Stylish Performing Artist in Music was Modiga and Most Stylish Models was given to former SMag cover stars the Malope brothers. Judges this year included fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee, past recipients Mabuse and veteran actor John Kani joined by SMag editor Emmanuel Tjiya and Wanted editor Aspasia Karras. Craig Jacobs, Sharon Armstrong and Andrea Nagel from Sunday Times and former Wanted editor Siphiwe Mpye also served as judges.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Tiara to textbooks: Miss SA 2020 Shudufhadzo's fab first year at Columbia University and the United Nations
Former 2020 Miss South Africa, Shudufhadzo Musida, is proving that beauty and brains truly do go hand in hand. Now based in the United States, the inspiring humanitarian is making waves academically and diplomatically. Having completed her first year of a Master of International Affairs (MIA) degree at Columbia University, Shudu, as she's affectionately known, is also playing a key role on global platforms such as the United Nations, all while writing books and championing causes close to her heart. Academic excellence at Columbia University Shudufhadzo Musida's life has taken a bold and meaningful turn since her reign as Miss South Africa in 2020. In 2024, she marked a significant milestone by completing her first year at the prestigious Columbia University in New York. She's pursuing a Master of International Affairs (MIA), specialising in economic and political development, a course known for producing influential global thinkers and leaders. Her choice of study is no surprise; even during her pageant days, Shudu demonstrated a deep interest in mental health and social justice issues. Her current academic path is a natural progression for someone committed to using her platform for meaningful global impact. A strong voice at the United Nations While her studies are demanding, Shudu is also making her mark on the international stage. She has taken on the role of a moderator at high-level United Nations events, where she continues to advocate for women's rights and mental health. In a heartfelt social media post, she reflected on her experience moderating a UN event on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in crisis responses. 'Behind every policy, headline, and crisis response, there are people,' she wrote. 'Women and girls whose lives hang in the balance… Whose mental and physical health must be a priority, not an afterthought.' Her ability to bring empathy, intellect, and urgency to global issues has earned her the respect of influential figures, such as Dr. Natalia Kanem and Minister Åsmund Aukrust of Norway, who joined her on the panel. From the runway to the written word In addition to her academic and diplomatic achievements, Shudufhadzo published her second children's book, I Am Shudu. The book explores themes of self-discovery, self-worth, and healing, powerful messages inspired by her personal experiences of childhood bullying and the struggles she faced growing up. 'This may be a children's book, but it freed me,' she shared. 'The title alone speaks volumes about who I am and where I am today… My inner child is happy now. She's no longer scared; she has boundaries and knows that her voice and strength can change generations.' Her writing, much like her advocacy, is deeply personal and purpose-driven. She hopes her book will give children the comfort and encouragement they may not even realise they need. ALSO READ: WATCH: Birdie bliss! Gayton McKenzie's hilarious golf debut goes viral Drum dialogue: history and heritage In addition to her work with the UN, Shudu also hosted Drum Dialogue: Beats of Solidarity, an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Ark of Return, a permanent memorial at the UN honouring the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. The occasion also launched the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, aimed at promoting recognition, justice, and development. Musida described it as an honour and a moment of reflection, especially given her African roots. Her presence at such a significant event underscores her dedication to amplifying the voices and histories of those often overlooked. Continued advocacy and global media presence 'It is all of our responsibility to make sure that all women and girls are free from this harmful practice'@SkyYaldaHakim speaks to Shudufhadzo Musida about the UNFPA's campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation around the 📺 Sky 501 and YouTube — Sky News (@SkyNews) February 6, 2025 In 2023, Shudu was also featured on Sky News, speaking passionately about ending female genital mutilation (FGM). Her unwavering campaign against the practice is part of her broader commitment to protecting women's rights worldwide. Even with her busy schedule, she remains actively engaged in humanitarian work, seamlessly balancing her roles as a model, student, and advocate. ALSO READ:Tributes pour in for TikToker Valeria Marquez, shot dead during livestream The beauty of purpose Once criticised and bullied during her reign as Miss South Africa, she has emerged stronger, using her voice to uplift others and drive real change. Her journey from Limpopo to New York is not just one of personal growth but of global influence. Whether in classrooms, conference rooms, or literary circles, Shudu continues to shine — not just with grace and glamour, but with heart and purpose.
