24-year-old Shudufhadzo Musida has been crowned Miss South Africa 2020 at the glittering pageant finale held for the first time at the Table Bay hotel in Cape Town.
Musida, who comes from Ha-Masia in Limpopo; has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pretoria. She is currently doing her BA Honours in International Relations at the University of Witwatersrand.
She will receive R1 million in cash as well as a further R2 million worth of sponsorship and prizes, including the use of a luxury Sandton apartment and a Mercedes-Benz cabriolet for a year.
“It took an entire village to get me here and I would like to thank all of you for being my village. I stand here today as your Miss South Africa with immense pride and joy to be representing such a beautiful nation – one of the first Venda women, but certainly not the last ; to become Miss South Africa. I stand here as an advocate for educational and economic empowerment for women and children and mental health awareness, honored to be an ambassador of this beautiful nation.
Through this platform, I plan to continue and build on the beautiful and powerful legacy left by former Miss South Africa title holders, and continue to carry the baton of women empowerment that the Miss South Africa Organisation is built on and continues to strive for.
I plan to bring more awareness to mental health, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas, because I truly believe that we need to work on the mind for any change to come about in this country. I plan to mobilize various stakeholders and the nation so we can bring about educational empowerment through the tackling of issues such as poverty among young girls, workshops that teach children about the importance of mental health from a young age, and mentorship programmes for young women so they can be empowered to be agents of their own future.
This journey has been one of the highlights of my life, one that I will never forget and will cherish for as long as I live. Before this competition started, I had dreamed of helping women and children, and this platform has made that a reality even before the crown was placed on my head.
This platform has not only empowered me, but it has caused a ripple effect that has empowered others too. It has empowered a nation of girls just like me, and shows that all dreams are valid irrespective of your background. My life has been changed forever and the lives of the generations that come after me, so for that – Ndo livhuwa.” Musida said in her acceptance speech.
Thato Mosehle came in as the first runner-up, followed by the third position Natasha Joubert. The winner and runner-ups of Miss South Africa will represent South Africa at Miss Universe, Miss World 2021, and Miss Supranational.
The Miss South Africa Play Your Part Ambassador Award 2020, presented in conjunction with Brand South Africa; was given to women empowerment organisation Sisters in Solidarity which supports women through business development strategies and business registration education workshops.