Miss SA 2020 visits Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital

Miss South Africa gave out some goodies while visiting young patients to raise awareness about mental health.

Miss South Africa 2020 Shudufhadzo Musinda visited the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) in Parktown on September 8 to donate copies of her book to the hospital and raise awareness around mental health – an issue close to her heart.

Musinda is a well-known mental health activist and recently launched her online mental health initiative #MindfulSundays on her Instagram page in association with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag). Her children’s book, Shudu Finds Her Magic – inspired by Musinda’s childhood and the bullying she experienced – deals with bullying and the power of friendship. The book is available in six South African languages.

CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Foundation (NMCF) Konehali Gugushe said, “I think it was really great to firstly showcase the work that the NMCF and the NMCH does and to see the very enthusiastic and openness Shudufhadzo has to the work and alignment with the things that are important to her – particularly mental health for children and her being an advocate for allowing children to raise their voices.”

Interim CEO of the hospital Dr Nkuli Boikhutso said she was glad to see that Miss SA is excited about mental health – a topic that is close to their hearts, especially when dealing with children with chronic diseases.

Musinda donated 100 copies of her book to the hospital. “The day has been absolutely humbling, to see the work that is being done and to see people being of service is the greatest lesson that uTata [Nelson Mandela] imparted onto us and it is great to see people paying it forward as well,” Musinda said.

She concluded, “I am greatly humbled to see the work that is being done here and how the hospital’s values and the Nelson Mandela legacy which has been something that has been my beacon of hope and has guided my steps and my path as Miss South Africa as well. I want to be of service and I am passionate about women and children and their empowerment and this hospital does exactly that. I am so honoured to have been part of this journey today.”

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