Miss South Africa, Shudufhadzo Musida, 25, visited Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School last week and read her children’s book, Shudu Finds Her Magic, to the Rusty Bugs.
The picture book for children aged 5 to 9 tells the story of Ms Musida’s upbringing as the singing-and-dancing chatty girl surrounded by love and family in the Limpopo village of Ha-Vhangani and of how she overcomes bullying and other challenges..
It was important for children experiencing something bad to speak to a trusted adult, Ms Musida said.
“This could be a parent, a family member, a teacher or an elder,” she said. “Remember that being bullied is not your fault, there is nothing wrong with you, nobody should have to go through what I went through.”
Jenny Wates, the school’s librarian, said it had been thrilled to host such a prominent person. “She will be able to share authentic African stories that will inspire our girls to find their magic, more especially because our theme this year is ‘the magic happens here’.”
Principal Belinda Petersen said Ms Musida was a phenomenal role model.
“Her grace and humility transcended through her reading, and she happily engaged with the girls, and I am sure her book will impact the lives of many children.”
Visit misssa.co.za if you would like to buy a copy of Shudu Finds Her Magic.
