Shudufhadzo Musida has celebrated earning her master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University after years of dreaming about studying at the prestigious New York institution.
By Bulelwa Hoala
Former Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida is celebrating the completion of her master’s degree from Columbia University in New York City.
The 29-year-old Limpopo-born beauty queen made the move from South Africa to the New York-based institution in August 2024 to pursue a master’s degree in international affairs, focusing on economic and political development.
In a recent social media post, Musida reflected on her longstanding dream of studying at Columbia, revealing that she first started an application while she was in matric. However, after failing to complete it, she received a letter from the institution encouraging her to finish the application.
“And yet, years later, I am now graduating from that very institution with my master’s degree.
“This journey has by no means been easy. Those who have followed my journey and listened to the @mindfulmondayspod podcast know some of what this season has required: sacrifice, uncertainty, faith, exhaustion, perseverance and starting over in many ways,” Musida wrote.
Watch the video below:
Musida earned her first qualification, a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, from the University of Pretoria.
She later obtained an honours degree in international relations from University of the Witwatersrand shortly after her reign in 2020.
On 6 February 2025, Musida, who is also a mental health advocate, was appointed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as the Global Champion for Women and Girls. Her first campaign in the role focused on ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
She is also the author of a children’s book titled Shudu Finds Her Magic, which tells the story of how she overcame the sadness caused by bullying and grew into an adult who learned to love herself.
READ NEXT: ‘I am most disappointed in my choice of partners’: Letoya Makhene opens up
The post Former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida graduates from Columbia University appeared first on KAYA 959.
