Former Miss South Africa 2022 Shudufhadzo Musida has graduate from Columbia University in New York City.
Image: INSTAGRAM
Former Shudufhadzo Musida is proving that her ambitions stretch far beyond the runway and crown after earning a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York City.
The former Miss South Africa recently celebrated graduating with a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia University’s prestigious School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where she specialised in International Finance and Economic Policy.
For Musida, the milestone represents more than just academic success. It marks a deeply personal chapter shaped by growth, loneliness, resilience and finding community while navigating life as an international student far from home.
Taking to Instagram, the Limpopo-born model and mental health advocate reflected on the friendships and experiences that made her journey unforgettable.
“My capstone field trip remains my favourite memory of my SIPA experience. We met remarkable clients, built something we were genuinely proud of, and did work that felt meaningful,” she wrote.
“But what I will carry with me the longest is the team. People so warm and so wonderful I would invite them to my wedding one day. As an international student, loneliness can creep in quietly. This trip reminded me that community is not just possible, it is something you can find, even far from home.”
The former beauty queen, who balanced life between Johannesburg and New York during her studies, frequently used social media to document both the highs and challenges of adapting to life in the United States.
In one of her videos, titled, “You’re a 28-year-old who moved to NYC and the subway doesn’t make you anxious anymore”, Musida candidly opened up about navigating daily life in the bustling city.
She also playfully shut down speculation about her personal life after a social media user commented that she was “supposed to be getting married”.
Responding humorously, Musida replied: “I am?😳.”
Ahead of her graduation ceremony, the University of the Witwatersrand alumna shared a carousel of photographs capturing moments from her time at Columbia, from orientation week to completing her first year.
“Pens down🥹😭 Incoming @columbia Grad 🦁🩵 To God be all the glory 🥹🤍🤍🤍,” she wrote.
“The last 12 frames from my first year of school hit different now. From the first week of orientation to the end of first year.”
Musida’s latest accomplishment has drawn praise from fans and followers, many applauding her commitment to education, advocacy and personal growth while representing South Africa on the global stage.
Award-winning clinical psychologist Anele Siswana wrote: “We’re because of you. The world knows Africa produces the finest academic craft!”
Former Liesl Laurie-Mthombeni commented: “Congratulations beautiful 🩵.”
Musida’s boyfriend and media personality Maps Maponyane also filled her comments section with messages of love and support.
DAILY NEWS