Shudu

Shudu Musida takes on Miss World. Image via Instagram @shudufhadzomusida.

Shudu Musida: Five things to know about Miss World SA

From her book ‘Shudu Finds Her Magic’ to her controversial graduation, here are five things to know about Miss World SA.

Shudu

Shudu Musida takes on Miss World. Image via Instagram @shudufhadzomusida.

Former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida, affectionately known as Shudu, is representing South Africa at the Miss World pageant in Puerto Rico tonight (16 December). 

SHUDU REPRESENTS SA AT MISS WORLD 

Shudu arrived in Puerto Rico on 21 November to kickstart the Miss World pageant. Many were confused about why Shudu was representing South Africa at Miss World and not Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane. 

This is because she was set to participate in the pageant last year  but it was postponed due to COVID-19 and subsequently the lockdown. Therefore, Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh is still continuing her reign until 16 December. Due to the time difference South Africans will be able to watch the pageant on 17 December. 

Aside from being Miss South Africa 2020, here are five things to know about Miss World SA. 

ALSO READ: Lekker! Shudu Musida shows off Xitsonga heritage at Miss World [photos]

1. SHUDU IS 25 YEARS OLD

The beauty queen was born on 18 July 1996 which makes her 25-years-old.

2. HER CONTROVERSIAL GRADUATION

Shudu holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pretoria. She graduated with her honors in International Relations at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) this year. 

However, her graduation was marred by controversy. The beauty queen posted a video of herself walking down an empty room at Wits University. Vice chancellor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi appeared to hand her what looks like her degree. This sparked an outrage on Twitter because Tweeps believed it was unfair treatment. 

Wits later released a statement saying that Shudu graduated online like everyone else. The video she posted was reportedly from a meeting with the vice chancellor.

“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 in a statement.

3. SHE RELEASED A BOOK – ‘SHUDU FINDS HER MAGIC’ 

The beauty queen announced that she has released a book in July titled Shudu Finds Her Magic. The book is a story of struggles and hope – telling the story of how Shudu, found her magic. 

4. SHE ADVOCATES AGAINST MENTAL HEALTH 

Shudu advocated for mental health as Miss South Africa and after she passed her crown, she revealed that she was “fulfilled” with the work she had done.

“My mandate, when I became Miss SA, was mental health. We need to empower the minds of people so they can better themselves and be empowered enough to face the situation we are facing right now. I think we [team Miss SA] did the necessary work that was needed to to empower people,” she said to Times LIVE. 

5. HER ICONIC BALD LOOK

Shudu instructed her hairdresser to shave all her hair off in 2015, so her hairdo for Miss South Africa was not new. When lockdown hit she has no choice but to audition in her most natural look, according to the Sowetan.

ALSO READ: ‘Stupid hype over Zozi’: Tweeps think Lalela & Shudu are being ‘degraded’