Miss SA’s book aims to deal with mental health

WHEN Shudufhadzo Musida was crowned Miss South Africa last year, she was determined to use her reign to assist those struggling with various mental health ailments.

The 25-year-old has since launched her online mental health initiative, #MindfulMondays, on her Instagram account, in conjunction with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) and Discovery Vitality.

But she noticed that the initiative was largely reaching the adult population and not that youngsters were also struggling with mental health issues. In a bid to address this she decided

write Shudu Finds Her Magic.

The children’s book, which will officially be launched next month (August), was inspired by her childhood and the bullying she experienced when she moved to a new province and a new school.

“I felt it was hugely important that we reach the children of this country and the idea of Shudu Finds Her Magic was born,” she said. “The book is aimed at children aged between 4 and 12 years of age and deals with bullying and the power of friendship.”

She added she hoped that youngsters

would be able to see themselves reflected in the storyline and take something positive away from it.

Shudu Finds Her Magic, which will soon be available at bookstores as well as online at the end of August, is expected to retail for R95 and also includes illustrations by acclaimed duo Chantelle and Burgen Thorne.

It will be available in Afrikaans,

English,

Zulu.

Musida said it was important for her to have the book available in six different languages.

“Studies have proven that a strong mother tongue foundation benefits youngsters throughout their schooling and education. It is an essential part of developing literacy and gives children a strong language foundation that makes learning easier.”

Sesotho, Venda, Xhosa and