Former Miss South Africa and author Shudufhadzo Musida recently shared more heartfelt moments from her graduation at Columbia University, where she officially graduated with a Master’s Degree in International Affairs.
The beauty queen and mental health advocate took to Instagram to reflect on the emotional journey behind her academic achievement. Alongside stunning graduation pictures, Shudufhadzo opened up about the deep bond she shared with her late grandfather, who played a major role in shaping the woman she has become today.
“My grandfather called me “nyamu thanyi,” which directly translates to “the smart one.” We would sit outside together, and he would always affirm my individuality. He affirmed it in little ways, like making me breakfast when, traditionally, I was supposed to wake up first and make it for him. I was never a morning person (although now I am because of adulting).”
“He became the father I needed, and honestly, the love of my life. Sometimes, when we were together, no words were needed. Just the nearness of each other.”
“He would always say, “I pray for you on my knees day and night,” and he would always say, “no ri ita hathu” — “you have made us worthy people.””
The former Miss South Africa revealed that she now realizes it was always his love that validated her and gave her strength to pursue her dreams.
“But little did he know that it has always been his love that qualified me, validated me, and made me so fearless. It is the love he gave my mother and me.”
Shudufhadzo also proudly celebrated the significance of her achievement, writing: “The Musida name is now in Ivy League books.”
She dedicated her success to dreamers everywhere and to those who continue to support and encourage people to dream beyond their circumstances.
“This is for all the dreamers, and everyone who allows them to dream regardless of who they were, because my Papa became my best friend in a society where there were clear divides. I cannot describe the love I had… and still have… for that man in words.”
The journey to completing her Master’s Degree was not easy. Shudufhadzo admitted that there were many moments when she felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up.
“While I was doing this masters, I cried a lot. I wanted to give up many times because surely there are easier ways. I would get angry at him for leaving and stripping me of the moments where I could call and ask him about the weather at home whenever I felt overwhelmed.”
However, she said the experience taught her the importance of pushing through difficult moments and living up to her full potential.
“But it was never about the easier ways. It was about living up to my fullest potential, even when it got hard. The potential he saw in me before I caught up to it myself.”
Shudufhadzo also revealed that before her grandfather passed away, her family convinced him to record his very first video message for her — something that became incredibly special after his passing two months later.
“My grandfather never took photos or videos. He kept to himself. But before I undertook a major moment in my life, they convinced him to record his first video, sitting beside his brother, who was the first master’s graduate in our family. Those would become his last words to me before he passed away two months later.”
“On days when I felt like I honestly could not do it, I would watch that video. On days when I felt too tired to carry myself, I would watch that video. It’s almost like he knew.”
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