Shudufhadzo Musida gets shout-out from Columbia University after graduation

by Jade Rhode

Following her graduation from Columbia SIPA (School of International and Public Affairs), Miss South Africa 2020, Shudufhadzo ‘Shudu’ Musida, received a post dedicated to her achievement. The beauty queen was studying towards her master’s degree in international affairs in New York.

Also see: Shudufhadzo Musida shares her thoughts on her new life in New York

Taking to X on 14 May 2026, the prestigious institution shared the following:

“Graduate Reflections. As an international student, Shudufhadzo (Shudu) Musida MPA ’26 learned that she can find community anywhere. And what better place than NYC!”

The post was accompanied by a write-up of what Shudu will miss the most after finishing her studies. She wrote that her favourite memory of her SIPA experience was her capstone field trip, emphasising that what she will carry with her 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. I feel in love with that idea all over again.”

Also see: Shudufhadzo Musida reflects on five years since crowned Miss SA

Shudu also took to her Instagram account to reflect on her education journey to her “dream university” in her “favourite city,” which was featured on her podcast, Mindful Mondays with Shudu.

The grateful and gorgeous 28-year-old captioned her post:

“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.”

 

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A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida)

Also see: Former Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musina makes her mark in the United Nations

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