The Office of the Presidency, represented by its Deputy Minister Thembi Siweya, has committed to supporting newly-crowned Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida. Following her crowning, Musida committed to working on raising awareness around mental health. She was welcomed as an ambassador of Brand SA by Siweya and Brand South Africa acting CEO Thulisile Manzini.
Among her new responsibilities in her capacity, as part of a collective of ambassadors whose work is to raise the South African flag, will be to articulate the country’s programmes, eyeing long-term positive reputation and global competitiveness.
Musida says it gives her hope to see that what she chose to focus on is being supported.
“And for us to stand here today and say we are going to move forward together, to fix so many social ills in our country, we are speaking about gender-based violence, we are speaking about people living in conditions of poverty. Most areas in this country do not have water of which we can understand how that can affect the mental psyche, but for us, to start addressing the root problem, the root cause of all these things, which is mental health. We’re fixing our society because for any change to come about in our society we need to fix our mind.”
Siweya says Musida’s choice of activism inspires hope.
“You are a beacon of hope and most importantly, let me tell you, champion the most important conversation about things which worry us. Men kill women. We also do other things to men. But all of that is mental health. We are not fine as a society. We are not happy. We’ve got problems and we are going to support you in your programme.”
Acting CEO of Brand South Africa Thulisile Manzini says the partnership between Miss SA and Brand SA is intended to inspire.
“As Brand South Africa today, it is noted in front of the two bosses that I have here, deputy minister to support us as we go out and you have your programme. We will be supporting but above all, we also have our own programme where we go to schools to encourage the learners and we go to all the provinces and we are known for liking, going to the rural areas where people, you know, think that no one cares about them. So, we will make sure but we will fit in into your schedule and make sure that we are available where we are needed.”
Miss Teen Universe Ntando Sigudla was among dignitaries in attendance at the welcoming of Musida as BrandSA’s ambassador.
Musida to be officially welcomed as Brand SA Ambassador:
