Shudufhadzo Musida Shares the Books That Inspired Her in January

Miss South Africa 2020, model, author, and mental health advocate Shudufhadzo Musida recently gave her followers a glimpse into her reading life by sharing four books she absolutely loved and read in January. Taking to Instagram, Musida opened up about the titles that stood out to her and explained why each one left a lasting impression on her.

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A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida)

She wrote on her page, “Books I read this month

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. Loved it because it reminds me that success is messy, human, and earned, and that it’s okay not to have everything figured out while playing the long game.

Americanah by Chimamanda Adichie. Loved it because it speaks so honestly about identity and love, and how who we are can shift depending on where we are, while still calling us back to our core and it’s up to us to listen.

Atomic Habits by James Clear. I loved it because it made me reflect on how much our systems, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, matter more than the goals we chase.

The Prophet by Khalil Gibran I loved it because it turns life’s biggest questions into beautiful, relatable poetry. If you’ve read any of these, l’d love to know what stayed with you.

And if you haven’t, maybe this is your sign + Love, Shudu x.”

Her thoughtful reflections quickly caught the attention of her followers, many of whom appreciated the book recommendations. One follower, Homba Mazaleni, commented, “Thank you for the recommendations.” Another follower, galpitsi_, shared their own experience after reading one of the books, writing, “ I’ve read Atomic Habits too. What really stayed with me was how small, consistent systems quietly shape who we become. Such a grounding reminder.”

Musida’s love for reading comes as no surprise to many, as she has always been open about her passion for learning and personal growth. Known for using her platform to speak about mental health, identity, and self-development, the books she selected reflect the themes she often talks about publicly.

In addition to her reading habits, Musida continues to build an impressive academic profile. In a January 2026 Instagram post, she shared a photo of a certificate from a short course she completed at the University of Cape Town. The course, which took 100 hours to complete, was offered under the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and focused on Property Development and Investment. She received the certificate in October 2021.

Musida earned her first degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Science from the University of Pretoria. She later went on to obtain her Honours degree in International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2020.

Currently, Shudufhadzo Musida is studying towards a Master of International Affairs (MIA) at Columbia University in New York, continuing to inspire many with her dedication to education, reading, and personal development.