Not just a pretty face, 24-year-old Shudufhadzo comes from Ha-Masia in Limpopo and has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in philosophy, politics and economics. She shares why she entered the pageant.
This beauty is currently doing a BA honours in international relations at the University of Witwatersrand and says her role models include Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Toni Morrison, Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Gcuka and Amina J. Mohammed. In her spare time, she reads, sings and practices the keyboard.
How did you feel when you were told you were a Top 10 finalist for Miss South Africa?
I was in disbelief but was also filled with so much excitement because I now have the opportunity to continue following my dream.
Did you celebrate?
I was at a shoot at the time, so I did a happy dance and people around me kept wondering why I was so happy.
What have you learnt about yourself since you started this journey?
That my voice matters and that the things I thought were my weaknesses are actually my greatest strengths.
What are the initiatives you will be supporting?
I am passionate about mental health awareness, and the economic and educational empowerment of women and children – especially in disadvantaged communities. In many disadvantaged and rural communities, mental health is often overlooked and disregarded. As such, de-stigmatising mental health will be at the forefront of my social initiatives as it provides a healthy foundation for issues such as economic and educational empowerment to be tackled successfully. It is more important now more than ever because of Covid-19 to check in on mental health, especially in the education sector with children having to adapt to so many changes in their daily lives, and more so in disadvantaged communities where poverty has been exacerbated.
What has been your favourite part of the process so far?
Other than the stay at the Radisson with my fellow contestants and getting to know their beautiful souls, it has to be living my dream of living a life of service. It feels amazing to reach my goal, learn more about myself and inspire others to remember the importance of community, humility, and kindness.
What are your plans up until pageant day?
I am currently finishing off my post graduate degree, so the plan is to make sure I finish all the work that needs to be done before pageant day so I can just relax and enjoy it.
Why should people follow the remainder of your journey and the Miss South Africa pageant in October?
This platform is truly about the empowerment of women and not only of the contestants, but also of those that follow them too. We are being mentored into becoming our best selves through this platform and following this journey and the growth that each one of us are going through will make the Miss South Africa pageant in October that much more meaningful.
What has lifted your heart during this pandemic?
My faith. There is a peace that surpasses all understanding that I have received through my faith. It reminded me that I did not need big victories during this pandemic, but rather small ones. Through this kindness towards myself and the situation we are all in, the big victories had room to come into my life, because I chose positivity even if felt like there was none.
What has made you most angry/sad during this pandemic?
I think the socio-economic impacts that the pandemic has had, such as job losses, and how the pandemic has exacerbated the poverty that exists in many disadvantaged communities has made me really sad. Many people were suffering before, but now it is even worse.
For more about the pageant, follow:
- https://www.misssa.co.za
- Facebook: com/MsSouthAfrica
- Twitter: @Official_MissSA
- Instagram: @official_misssa
- YouTube: com/TheMissSAPageant
Image source: Twitter.
