By Tamlyn Canham
Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musiḓa graduated from Wits University this week, but her special day was marred by controversy.
Social media users have accused the university of giving the beauty queen special treatment.
Shudufhadzo joined scores of Wits students for their online graduation on Tuesday. She obtained her honours degree in international relations.
“After my virtual graduation, I had an interview opportunity with VC Prof Zeblon Vilakazi and of course I went in my grad attire. This pandemic has led to trying times and uncertainty for everyone. To all students who had to persevere even in the least ideal times… phambiliCongratulations to the class of 2020,” she wrote.
Dreams are valid 👩🏽🎓🤍 #2 pic.twitter.com/lWLyk5HZJ4
— Shudufhadzo (@abigailmusida) July 20, 2021
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world! “ – Nelson Mandela
Congratulations on your graduation @abigailmusida 👩🏽🎓! We are so Proud of you! Now carry your weapon to the World! 😉. pic.twitter.com/HyGPfyBqJY
— Miss South Africa (@Official_MissSA) July 20, 2021
READ: Halala! Elaine is officially a Wits graduate
Special treatment
Shudufhadzo and Wits officials came under fire after the interview. Many felt she was given a physical graduation ceremony while others were not.
“Why did Miss SA have a physical graduation while other Wits graduates did not?” one Twitter user asked.
You are literally asking why Miss SA is being treated like Miss SA 😂😂 https://t.co/7k22YUvG77
— Marcus Jr🦁 (@dumisane_) July 20, 2021
Another tweep said the whole affair smelled like classism.
“All graduates put in the work and didn’t even get their names read out during the virtual graduation ceremony, but she gets a special graduation. Yes, she is Miss SA, but she is a student like the rest. This smells of classism,” one Twitter user wrote.
READ: Halala! ‘Skeem Saam’ star Cedric Fourie is officially a UCT graduate
People are upset about this and rightfully so. All graduates put in the work and didnt even get their names read out during the virtual graduation ceremony, but she gets a special graduation. Yes, she is Miss SA, but she is a student like the rest. This smells of classism. https://t.co/jSkJBpzL1g
— Luna MN 🇵🇸 (@MphoMoalamedi) July 20, 2021
But some social media users came to her defence. One Twitter user pointed out the graduation was impromptu as Shudu pitched up for her interview in her gown.
Another user felt Wits did not do anything wrong.
“If you don’t realise that this marketing the wits brand, u lost. They only chose her for this ceremony because: 1. She met all the requirements to be conferred with a degree 2. She has a huge following from all over the world For the rest of u who graduated, congrats as well.”
We already know its marketing, but it doesn't mean anything to the thousands of students who ALSO met the requirements for graduation. Telling them they cant have a physical graduation then inviting one person because of social status that has nothing to do with school is unfair.
— Luna MN 🇵🇸 (@MphoMoalamedi) July 20, 2021
You really don't understand the purpose here.
Miss SA inspires a lot of young girls and to graduate from a top university (I think this her second qualification) is an opportunity to get the message across that education is very important.
Look beyond discrimination!
— Thabo (@Thabo05852519) July 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/SpitchNzawumbi/status/1417714550124777473
It’s everyone ignoring that Miss SA clearly stated that she had a VIRTUAL GRADUATION and went to the INTERVIEW with her GRADUATION GOWN, for me…
— Ntsekere fela yoh! (@NalediMolise) July 21, 2021
Main image credit: Instagram/@shudufhadzomusida



