‘Miss SA took part online’: Pa

Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida graduates at Wits University. Images via Instagram @shudufhadzomusida.

‘Miss SA took part online’: Pageant denies ‘special treatment’ for Shudu

While her graduation may have caused a social media uproar, Miss SA also turned 25 this week and announced the release of her first book.

‘Miss SA took part online’: Pa

Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida graduates at Wits University. Images via Instagram @shudufhadzomusida.

The Miss South Africa organisation has shut down claims that Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida received special treatment at her graduation on 20 July. 

Miss SA graduated with her BA honours in international relations at Wits University and just announced the release of her book, Shudu Finds Her Magic.

MISS SA ACCUSED OF ‘SPECIAL TREATMENT’

It all started when Shudufhadzo Musida posted a video of herself walking down an empty room with Wits University vice chancellor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi handing her what looks like her degree. 

“After my virtual graduation today, I had an interview opportunity with VC Prof Zeblon Vilakazi & of course I went in my grad attire. This pandemic has led to trying times & uncertainty for everyone. To all students who had to persevere even in the least ideal times… phambili,” she wrote on social media.

Many students found this unfair as they had to graduate virtually without having the big graduation day that every student dreams off and Musida was therefore accused of receiving special treatment.

MISS SA ORGANISATION CLEARS AIR ON GRADUATION

Following the backlash Shudufhadzo Musida received, the Miss SA organisation stated that she did not receive any preferential treatment as she graduated online like the other students, but went to meet the vice chancellor to discuss the mental health initiatives that she had been taking part in.

“Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida took part online, from her apartment in Sandton, in the University of Witwatersrand’s virtual ceremony, along with all students who were graduating,” said the organisation to Times Live

Musida has partnered with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) to host a weekly mental health series titled #MindfulMondays to educate and spread awareness on mental wellness.

“She was later invited by vice-chancellor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi to a meeting to discuss the mental health initiatives she has taken part in during her reign,” said the organisation.

ALSO READ: Mental health pledge? Miss SA tweets about pizza amid #JusticeForLufuno

MISS SA RELEASES BOOK

It’s been a big week for Miss SA as she turned 25 on 18 July, graduated on 20 July and announced on Thursday 22 July that she is releasing a book, titled Shudu Finds Her Magic. 

The book will be made available in six languages and will be sold in bookstores across the country towards the end of August this year.

“I am filled with so much pride and joy to present this book authored by myself with beautiful illustrations by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne. A piece of my heart captured on a page, written especially for kids. A story of struggles and hope. Of falling down and getting back up and of the incredible journey we call life!” wrote Musida on Instagram. 

“I hope that through my story you will find comfort in the fact that you are not alone, that you matter, that the world needs you! None of us are perfect, we were never meant to be and that’s what makes us so special,” she continued.