Shudu’s happy and carefree childhood seems very far away when she moves towns and is bullied by her new classmates for being an outsider. But her special friendships help her feel like she belongs. Deep inside, Shudu has a spark, a special kind of strength that she didn’t even know was there. She finds her voice and can be herself.

I am Shudu is an empowering coming-of-age story that will inspire readers to celebrate who they are and to dream big dreams!

“Your voice matters.
You just have to be yourself.”
Shudufhadzo Musida

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shudufhadzo Musida, crowned Miss South Africa 2020, holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Pretoria. She also earned her Honours in International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand. During her reign, she focused on mental health and launched the successful online series, Mindful Mondays, with millions of viewers worldwide. Shudufhadzo published a children’s book called Shudu Finds Her Magic, addressing bullying in schools, which became a bestseller in South Africa. She advocates for mental health and works with global initiatives like Global Citizen and the United Nations Women’s Forum. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the Global Surgery Foundation, she promotes life-saving surgeries for women and children. Shudufhadzo was appointed Champion for Southern and Eastern Africa for the UNFPA, advocating for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and mental health for women and girls in the region. She received the Glamour Women of the Year Mental Health Game Changer Award in 2022. Additionally, she is a Nivea Brand Ambassador, TV host on Afrimaxx, and has been featured on the covers of Glamour Magazine South Africa, Vogue Italia and British Vogue, among others.

'I am Shudu: Finding my Voice, Knowing my Strength' is published by Jacana media