Miss SA hopeful with stars in her eyes
Limpopo-born contestant proud to be village voice
Miss SA hopeful Shudufhadzo Musida is a woman on a mission.
Her passion about economic and educational empowerment of women and children has led her to enter the prestigious competition.
Musida, 23, from Ha-masia in Limpopo, said if she is crowned Miss SA 2020, she will ensure that nothing hinders the educational success of the black village child.
The bachelor of social sciences graduate said she will continue with her cause to contribute to the alleviation of food insecurity; alleviation of poverty and bring more awareness to mental health because it is needed, especially in many villages in Limpopo.
Musida said she is humbled by the support she gets from all the corners of Limpopo. “I spend a lot of time in Limpopo and Venda. I get stopped everywhere I go and people tell me how proud they are of me, that one of them is representing them. They want to tell me their stories, their pain and suffering so that I can represent them correctly,” she said.
“It is so humbling and so inspiring to listen to the stories of the mothers who sell vegetables, how they do it, how they wake up so early in the morning to get the vegetables and how they have been running their businesses for many years.
“Also [I get the chance] to listen to the youth who have solutions to many problems. Everybody is happy and I am glad to be their voice.”
Musida said she will be meeting up with several politicians this week to discuss the lack of water in schools, lack of food, lack of technology and other issues the people have complained about.
“The pageant provides an opportunity for me to listen to others as I do my social visits to donate to the disadvantaged. I have been to four NGOS to donate food and sanitary towels, so I am listening, understanding issues deeply and above all, also finding my voice.
“Every day, I stand on the shoulders of many strong women who are carrying me, so I am speaking on their behalf. I am listening and sharing what they go through with the government, leaders and many important people that I meet daily,” added Musida.