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By Sam Player 
9h ago
Cape Town – Shudufhadzo Musida stands tall and proud after being named Miss South Africa 2020.
Musida was announced as the winner of the 62nd annual pageant at a televised and socially estranged event at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town on Saturday night.
“It feels amazing,” Musida said. “It feels surreal because the whole time, all I could think was’ Oh my God, everyone in my town is watching! Everyone at home is watching. “
It has been a dream come true for Musida, who grew up watching past contests.
“All I could think of was the time when I used to watch this show at my grandfather’s house in Venda and I was like ‘Would it ever make it? So I jumped in and the first thing I said before going in was ‘What do I have to lose?’ “
Musida was flanked by 1st Princess Thato Mosehle and 2nd Princess Natasha Joubert when she received the crown inherited from Miss South Africa 2019, Sasha-Lee Olivier.
The 23-year-old from Limpopo was one of ten contestants from across the country fighting for the top honor, with an event marking the end of a journey that began with online applications in May.
“The trip was amazing because there was so much growth,” he said. “You have the opportunity to learn a lot about yourself. I cried so many times because I kept finding myself. I loved every second.
“The highlight for me was when, on our last trip to Cape Town, we would sit around the table for dinner and we would all just discuss our lives, tell each other our adventures. And I looked around the table at each face and wanted to memorize them. At that time, I was so happy. I feel immense joy just because I can experience all these people and that’s what this contest is about. “
A Johannesburg resident, Musida graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor of Social Science in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), and is currently completing a Bachelor of Honors in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand.
With the new platform, one of Musida’s priorities is to highlight and raise awareness about mental health, as well as promote the country on the world stage.
“I hope to make the change,” he said. “I want to be representative of the beauty, diversity and resilience that exists in this country. I want all the children in all the villages who watch television and watch this moment to know that it is possible for them. I didn’t think it was possible for me and now I’m sitting here with a crown on my head. Your dreams are valid. “
Highlights from the event included a filmed exhibition on the Foreshore Highway bridge, a question and answer session led by the judges, and closing statements from the three finalist finalists.
Western Cape finalist Jordan Van der Vyver was named a Motherkind Fitness Ambassador after the Miss South Africa swimsuit photo show, which took place in Clifton Beach.
The other contestants were Aphelele Mbiyo, Busisiwe Mmotla, Chantelle Pretorius, Jordan van der Vyver, Karishma Ramdev, Lebogang Mahlangu, and Melissa Nayimuli.
The judges who gave Musida the final go-ahead were former Miss South Africa champion Peggy-Sue Khumalo, television personality Anele Mdoda, actress and businesswoman Leandie du Randt, actress Kim Engelbrecht, and former 2019 titleholder and Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi.
Hosted by Nomzamo Mbatha and Lalla Hirayama, the event featured recorded performances from top local artists, including Mi Casa, Sho Madjozi, Jimmy Nevis, Ami Faku, and Sun El-Musician.
Along with the Miss SA title, Musida wins prizes and sponsorships worth up to R3 million. You will receive a 1 million rand cash award from the Miss South Africa Organization and, for the year of your reign, use of a fully furnished and serviced apartment on Central Square in Sandton with interior décor by Enza Home and a Mercedes-Benz C200 Cabriolet.
The 62nd annual event marked the first time the pageant was held in Cape Town.
Argus weekend
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