Shudufhadzo Musida, the former Miss South Africa and mental health advocate, is setting the stage for a bright and impactful future. The 28-year-old from HaMasia village in Venda, Limpopo, has been appointed the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) global champion for women and girls. This prestigious role marks a new milestone in her mission to bring positive change to the world, particularly in the areas of women’s and girls’ rights.
“For those who know me, I have wanted to serve since I was eight,” Musida shared during a WhatsApp call with Sowetan S Magazine. “To have the purpose behind my work recognised in a way that champions women and girls is big. The work I’ve done for the past two years I did with no expectations but mostly with the passion for the people.”
The UNFPA is the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, and Musida’s appointment as their global champion is a significant achievement. She recalls her excitement when she first learned of the decision, saying, “They [UNFPA] told me that this is what they wanted to do, but seeing the announcement on their website was surreal.” The appointment was followed by an exciting opportunity to interview with one of the greatest journalists, Yalda Hakim, on Sky News. Musida couldn’t believe the moment, exclaiming, “What am I even doing on Sky News? That was a huge highlight for me.”
During the interview, Musida spoke passionately about her work to end the harmful practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), revealing that over 200 million women worldwide have undergone this procedure. She has been a regional champion for the UNFPA in East Africa and South Africa for the past two years and is now expanding her reach on a global stage.
Musida’s commitment to creating positive change extends beyond her role with the UNFPA. Since mid-2024, she’s been absent from the local social scene, focusing on her studies at the prestigious Columbia University in New York. Pursuing a master’s in international affairs, Musida is specialising in economic and political development, with a focus on leadership innovation and design.
“I chose Columbia because it’s one of the best schools on public policy and has some of the greatest minds in international affairs,” Musida explains. “It’s a lot of work, but I’m pleased to be at such an incredible school. I was always interested in Columbia after matric but stopped my application halfway because I thought I couldn’t afford to go, or I would never get in. Ten years later, I made it and got in.”
Her studies are closely aligned with her new role, as Musida has designed a programme for social innovation aimed at creating practical, human-centred solutions to Africa’s most pressing problems. “The core of my work has been the drive to solve African problems,” she says. “Growing up in HaMasia, I saw many things that shouldn’t have happened. I moved out of there when I was eight, but I’ve always carried what I saw because you always know that could have been me.”
Musida’s time in New York, where she has called home since last August, has been a significant culture shock for the young advocate. “I feel America, New York specifically, is loud just being submerged in a new environment and the cultural differences. New York is competitive, so there is this constant drive. You don’t need to speak to people to realise that it’s in the air – that constant need to be better all the time,” she shares. “You need to give 110% because we’re all giving a 100%… You need to give a hundred and 10% to survive. I guess that’s why they call it the concrete jungle. It’s been quite interesting.”
While New York offers a fast-paced and challenging environment, Musida’s love for her South African roots remains strong. When asked about her return home, she eagerly shares what she’s most looking forward to: “The first meal I will tuck into is oxtail and dombolo from 1947 on Vilakazi Street, Soweto,” she laughs. “When I was in South Africa last semester, I told my partner [Maps Maponyane] the first thing I wanted was Nandos to make sure he had it for me at the airport. After that, I was eating pap almost every day. I ate oxtail and dombolo from 1947 on Vilakazi Street. Oh, and boerewors rolls. Thinking about it makes me cry. I’ll probably do the same when I’m back home again.”
