By Tamlyn Canham
Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida touched down in Puerto Rico this week for the Miss World pageant.
The pageant was originally supposed to be held in late 2020, but was postponed to December 2021.
Shudufhadzo is more than ready to bring home the crown.
“The time has finally come and to say that I’m excited is a complete understatement. I’m so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent the country that raised me, who gave me a voice and who made me the woman I am today on the Miss World stage. I carry each and every one of you in my heart as I embark on this journey of a lifetime and I humbly ask that you please join me!” she wrote before leaving for the pageant.
ALSO READ: PICTURES: Shudufhadzo Musida turns heads in Paris
Rolene Strauss was the last South African to wear the crown. She won the Miss World pageant in 2014.
Women from more than 100 countries are taking part in this year’s ceremony.
Shudufhadzo is already a hot favourite
Pageant watchers have already named Shudufhadzo one of their women to watch.
“Leading the race at the moment is the stunning Shudufhadzo Musida of South Africa. The 24-year-old advocate for children and women empowerment as well as mental health zoomed to the top of the rankings the moment she was officially announced as the Rainbow Nation’s representative to Miss World,” pageant website, Missosology, wrote.
Other favourites are Venezuela’s Alejandra Conde and Indonesia’s Pricilia Carla Yules.
Shudufhadzo has already started bonding with some of the women. She was pictured with Audrey Monkam from Cameroon, Mexico’s Karolina Vidales and Peru’s Paula Montes.
Meet my sisters from the green team 😍 pic.twitter.com/w7tcUmKSnQ
— Audrey Monkam Miss cameroon 2020 (@audrey_monkam) November 22, 2021
— Audrey Monkam Miss cameroon 2020 (@audrey_monkam) November 22, 2021
Meanwhile, the reigning Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, is facing increasing pressure to boycott the Miss Universe pageant in Israel.
Transport minister Fikile Mbalula is the latest high-profile figure to urge her not to take part.
“Take a stand history will be on your side you will be remembered forever and ever use your power. Don’t go to Israel. We are supporting you as our golden girl,” he tweeted.
ALSO READ: Khaya Dlanga on Miss SA drama: ‘Let her go’
Take a stand history will be on your side you will be remembered foever and ever use your power. Dont go to Israel. We are supporting you as our golden girl. pic.twitter.com/efcRxSrN2e
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) November 19, 2021
Both the Miss Universe and Miss World pageant are taking place in December.



