Former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida is continuing to make waves both in fashion and education. The 28-year-old beauty queen, author, and mental health advocate was recently honoured at the 2025 South African Style Awards in Johannesburg. She received the award for Most Innovative Style, celebrating her unique fashion sense and how she uses style to express her identity and creativity.
Musida, who was crowned Miss South Africa in 2020, is currently living in New York City, where she has just completed her first year of a master’s degree in international affairs at Columbia University. In an interview with TimesLIVE, she shared how much the experience has meant to her.
“Living in New York has been one of the greatest gifts of my life,” she said. “I’m focusing on economic and political development with a specialisation in leadership, innovation and design.”
Despite being far from home, the Limpopo-born star remains connected to South Africa and is grateful for the support that made her journey possible. “I miss South Africa, but being able to do my masters at a school I’ve wanted to go to for the past 10 years has been an unforgettable life moment. I’m grateful to Phumzile [Mlambo-Ngcuka, former deputy president of South Africa] and so many who have helped make this journey possible.”
In her chat with TimesLIVE, Musida reflected on how her relationship with fashion has changed over the years. “In high school I was different. I loved 1990s bohemian looks — boho chic. So I think the first time I wore a ball gown, I was 18 — wore it once, never wore it again. I only got into them during the [Miss SA] pageant. I’m a creative at heart.”
She also opened up about her personal style: “My personal style depends on my mood, but it’s definitely about feeling comfortable. I don’t follow trends — I draw from different eras to show different parts of myself. I’m an ‘old soul’, but also playful — a tomboy who sometimes loves to dress up.”
Musida says her time as Miss South Africa helped shape who she is today. “The experience of being Miss South Africa is something I’ll forever be proud of. Another highlight has been the privilege of working with the UN Population Fund and witnessing the extraordinary efforts to advance gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and mental wellbeing.”
Looking to the future, Musida hinted at a new mental wellness project. “I can’t go into it too much yet, but it’s something a lot of people have been asking me for,” she said. “So all I’m going to say is ‘Mindful Mondays’ is coming back.”
She ended with advice for young women: “My key takeaway message to women who want to follow in my footsteps is just to make sure that you know your ‘why’. I love education and constantly strive to be learning something new — so make sure you never get complacent in achieving your purpose.”
