Former Miss SA: Anxiety once 'paralyzed' me

Loading player...
Did you know that former Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo ‘Shudu’ Musida only entered the competition to fulfill a promise to a friend? For our season two finale, host Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba talks to Shudu about how getting a grip on her mental health literally helped her achieve her potential. We also find out how experiences in Shudu's upbringing convinced her that raising awareness for mental health in South Africa has been life-changing - not just for her, but also for her peers.

00:00 Introduction and Highlights
01:02 Welcome to the Podcast
01:30 Special Guest: Shudufhadzo ‘Shudu’ Musida
02:56 Mental Health Advocacy
04:57 Personal Journey with Anxiety
09:42 Challenges in Black Communities
15:13 Practical Mental Health Tips
23:48 Fun and Games
27:48 Transition to Miss South Africa
31:32 The Importance of Boundaries
39:06 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

#dontholdback #mentalhealth #MissSouthAfrica #ShudufhadzoMusida
9 Jul 2024 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Gcina Mhlophe on embracing culture and tradition

In the latest episode, legendary storyteller, poet and author Dr. Gcina Mhlophe reflects on what it means to preserve culture in a fast-changing world. Dr. Mhlophe shares her journey from a childhood “house of song and prayer” to becoming one of South Africa’s most respected custodians of heritage. She explains…
23 Sep 29 min

Five simple habits to a healthier you

What does “healthy” really mean? In this episode of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba talks to fitness coach Kopano Mokhele, who deliberately gained 25 kilos — and is now losing it again — to better understand what his clients face. Kopano shares honest lessons about food cravings, mental health, and…
9 Sep 31 min

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Turn 35

When Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba revealed on the podcast that she’s turning 35 later this year, she admitted she was struggling with questions many women ask themselves: Have I achieved enough? Am I where I should be at this age? It was the perfect moment to bring in a mentor figure. Sitting…
26 Aug 38 min

Living Proudly: Black, Gay, HIV-Positive in 2025

How do you live proudly when the world still carries stigma? In this episode of Don’t Hold Back, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba sits down with Phenyo Moletsane - a proud Black, gay man living openly with HIV in 2025 - for a powerful conversation that goes beyond labels, fear, and silence. From…
12 Aug 33 min

Sex and Sexuality: What women wish they’d been taught

How do you talk about sex when no one ever taught you how? *Content warning: This episode contains adult themes and is intended for listeners aged 18 and older.* In this episode, Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba is joined by Johannesburg-based gynaecologist and sexologist Dr Nompumelelo “Mpume” Zenda (AKA Dr Gynae). Together, they…
29 Jul 34 min