The former Miss South Africa reflected on sacrifice, perseverance, and finally achieving a childhood dream after graduating with a Master’s degree in International Affairs.
New York, USA (18 May 2026)- From dreaming about New York as an eight-year-old to graduating from one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Shudufhadzo “Shudu” Musida is celebrating a full-circle moment that has resonated with many South Africans online.
The former Miss South Africa recently graduated from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs with a Master’s degree in International Affairs, marking another major milestone in her journey beyond the pageant world.
The institution itself even celebrated her achievement on social media, sharing a post highlighting her reflections as an international student.
“Graduate Reflections. As an international student, Shudufhadzo (Shudu) Musida MPA ’26 learned that she can find community anywhere. And what better place than NYC!”
Part of the post focused on what she would miss most about her experience at Columbia.
“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.”
Graduate Reflections 🎓
As an international student, Shudufhadzo (Shudu) Musida MPA ’26 learned that she can find community anywhere. And what better place than NYC! pic.twitter.com/h8ymhU1XfL
— Columbia | SIPA (@ColumbiaSIPA) May 14, 2026
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ICA Live Art Festival Returns to Cape Town's Streets, Gardens and Public SpacesBut it was Shudu’s personal reflection on Instagram that gave followers an even deeper glimpse into what the moment meant to her.
“From the age of 8, I dreamed of living in New York.”
“At 18, just receiving a letter with a New York address from an institution that has shaped some of the world’s most extraordinary minds did not feel real to me. It felt distant. Bigger than me. Almost inaccessible.”
Shudu also acknowledged that the journey was far from easy, speaking openly about the sacrifices, uncertainty and perseverance it took to reach this point.
Over the years, Shudu has continued building a platform centred around mental health advocacy, education and personal growth, with many South Africans following her journey long after her reign as Miss South Africa ended.
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