Former Miss South Africa (2020) Shudufhadzo Abigail Musida has authored her second children’s book titled I am Shudu: Finding My Voice, Knowing My Strength. Her first book, Shudu Finds Her Magic, received a warm reception and played a massive role in normalising bullying and mental health conversations, especially in schools. Speaking at the launch and signing event of her second book, which took place this past weekend, Musida shared that her love for books dates back to her childhood and was greatly encouraged by her grandmother. 

“Although she could not read or write, she knew the importance of reading. She always asked me if I was brushing my teeth and reading books.” Musida’s new book explores various themes, including friendships, displaced families, bravery, forgiveness and bullying. Through this body of work,  she documents her childhood, how she was bullied and how she has grown to find herself again. “Bullying and sadness can often be normalised in our society, and we don’t realise that there’s something wrong with it because no one tells us otherwise. We need to reframe what the word ‘resilience’ looks like when it comes to children,” she shared. 

When asked if she had forgiven those who bullied her throughout many of her childhood years, the former Miss SA shared that she had to accept apologies she never received. “I forgive as something happens. I don’t wait until I get an apology to forgive. Forgiveness is not waiting until the other person comes and says, ‘I’m sorry.’ Forgiveness is freeing yourself. When you don’t forgive, you are harbouring that bad energy to yourself”. 

Musida further shared with her audience, mainly primary school pupils, that her healing journey required her to understand nothing was wrong with her. “I had to understand that the bullying was a reflection of them and not of me.” Since her biggest ambition as Miss SA was to live a life of service and purpose, Musida believes she has achieved that, and moments where she can connect with the country’s future leaders, serve as proof. 

Ultimately, the author hopes that youngsters who read her books get to find parts of themselves somewhere among the pages. “I am writing the books for you to read because I want to have conversations that matter to you. I think you’re all so intelligent. I write the books for you to understand that you’re seen and that you’re heard. I write the books for you to understand yourselves better.”