Shudufhadzo Musida’s Bright Future: A New Role with the UN and Pursuing Her Passion for Change

Shudufhadzo Musida, former Miss South Africa and passionate mental health advocate, is poised to take her career to even greater heights. The 28-year-old from HaMasia village in Venda, Limpopo, was recently appointed as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) global champion for women and girls.

Musida’s appointment to this prestigious role is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. “For those who know me, I’ve wanted to serve since I was eight,” Musida shared during a recent WhatsApp call on a Saturday evening, which was morning in New York City, where she’s enjoying a homemade bagel and coffee.

“To have the purpose behind my work recognized in a way that champions women and girls is huge,” she says. “The work I’ve done over the past two years was done with no expectations but with a deep passion for the people.”

The UNFPA is the United Nations’ agency focused on sexual and reproductive health. Musida was honored to be recognized by the agency, sharing how surreal it felt to see her name announced on their website.

“I couldn’t believe it. Then having the chance to speak with one of the greatest journalists of all time, Yalda Hakim, on Sky News was an incredible highlight,” Musida said.

During her interview, Musida spoke out against the dangerous practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful procedure that affects over 200 million women worldwide.

Musida has previously served as the UNFPA regional champion for East Africa and South Africa, further solidifying her role in the global fight for women’s rights.

Since mid-2024, Musida has been focused on her academic journey at her dream institution—Columbia University in New York, where she is pursuing a master’s in international affairs. Her focus is on economic and political development, specializing in leadership innovation and design.

“I chose Columbia because it’s one of the best schools for public policy and home to some of the greatest minds in international affairs,” Musida explained.

Her path to Columbia was not without challenges. “I always dreamed of attending but doubted I could afford it or get accepted. But ten years later, I made it. I got in,” Musida recalls, emphasizing the perseverance that has defined her journey.

Musida’s academic experience will complement her new role with the UNFPA. “I’ve designed social innovations and built practical, human-centered solutions that go beyond policy and economics,” she said. “At the heart of my work is a drive to solve African problems.”

Reflecting on her upbringing in HaMasia, Musida noted, “Growing up, I saw many things that shouldn’t have happened. Even though I moved away at eight, those experiences have always stayed with me. It’s important for me to take the conversation back to where I come from.”

Since relocating to New York in August, Musida admits the cultural shift has been significant. “New York is loud, and just being immersed in this environment is a big change. The competitiveness is palpable. Everyone is constantly pushing to be better,” she explained. “You need to give 110% to survive here. It’s why they call it the concrete jungle.”

Musida is adjusting to life in one of the world’s most fast-paced cities, a place she describes as filled with “constant drive.”

While Musida’s global career continues to soar, she remains deeply connected to her roots in South Africa. When she returns home, the first meal she’ll indulge in is oxtail and dombolo from 1947 on Vilakazi Street, Soweto.

“When I was in South Africa last semester, I told my partner [Maps Maponyane] the first thing I wanted was Nando’s, and he made sure to have it ready for me at the airport,” Musida shared. “After that, I was eating pap almost every day, along with oxtail, dombolo, and boerewors rolls. Just thinking about it makes me cry. I’ll probably do the same when I’m back home again.”

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Sourced : Soweto Live