“NO one can believe in you or stand up for you unless you are the first one to do it.”
These are the encouraging words from the 19-years Khubvi Village outside Thohoyandou in Vhembe district Tshedza Mudau’s mother after she was bullied by her peers.
Mudau is a Miss Teen Universe South Africa finalist and she is always been a quiet person. She is a first-year student at University of Limpopo studying towards the BCom Accounting.
Mudau says she remember when she was once a victim of bullying running to her mother to tell her of the ordeal.
“Those words kept me emotional so strong that I started standing up for myself. I became a model in 2018, after taking a leap of faith to challenge myself to do something new. My mother used to take part of the fashion parades back when she was in high school. So, I felt the need to continue where she left of since she never got exposure to go far in the industry. I then entered a school competition, and it was my first time in front of so many people surprisingly I knew from that moment that modelling was a way forward,” she explained.
She also reminisces on her few titles, working with amazing people and her few community projects. “I have become Miss Jazz events first runner up 2021, Miss Nzhelele FM teen Queen 2021, Miss Thengwe High School, Miss face of Makhado, Miss Venda first runner up 2018, Miss Face of Matatshe first runner up 2019, Miss Forex Clinic first runner up 2019, Miss Tshilamba personality 2019, Miss Tshilamba public choice 2019, Miss Mphephu first Princess 2019, and Miss Khubvi 2020. I don’t have a mentor nor a role model, I look up to myself, I get inspired every time I think of where I’ve came from and where I am now,” she said.
She added that the challenges she has defeated and all the great things she has achieved inspires her to push to do more.
“My worst experience was when I once had to travel to another province for a competition, I didn’t know anyone there and I didn’t know where I would get transportation from so then I was almost lost,” she recalls.
“Having the support from my family and friends means a lot to me, it really makes me so happy seeing that there are people who believe in what I do. My secret of success is always putting God first in everything. Being Miss Teen Universe South Africa has exposed me to the world of empowerment and I am really grateful that this platform is allowing me to be the light to myself and other’s lives. I intend to continue spreading my advocacy of childhood development because I know that childhood experiences play an important role in what we grow up to be. We are the choices we make and it’s up to you to choose what you want out of your life,” she explains.
To anyone who would love to donate anything food, accessories, clothes, shoes or funds, or those who want to vote for her, they can contact her on 071 591 6401.
