Wits slammed for giving Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida ‘special treatment’

Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida and Wits University are catching some heat on social media: The institution is accused of giving preferential treatment to Musida, who got to physically be awarded her honours degree in international relations (even after graduating online), while thousands of others only graduated online.

Musida has been quite popular amongst South Africans, particularly for her advocacy work, mainly working to address mental health in communities.

WATCH: Miss SA receives her Wits degree

Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida says she had a chance to chat to Wits’ Vice Chancellor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi, so what’s wrong with taking a little advantage, especially when the opportunity presents itself?

“After my virtual graduation today, I had an interview opportunity with VC Prof Zeblon Vilakazi & of course I went in my grad attire. This pandemic has led to trying times & uncertainty for everyone. To all students who had to persevere even in the least ideal times,” she said on Twitter.

After my virtual graduation today, I had an interview opportunity with VC Prof Zeblon Vilakazi & of course I went in my grad attire. This pandemic has led to trying times & uncertainty for everyone. To all students who had to persevere even in the least ideal times… phambili https://t.co/AZRqJq9bk2 pic.twitter.com/UMUHA1pJZ2

— Shudufhadzo (@abigailmusida) July 20, 2021

Reflecting on the graduation ceremony, Vilakazi said represented a “fortuitous moment of hope and inspiration, an opportunity to chart a new course that can propel us into a new beneficial world order, for good”.

“We live in a historic moment characterised by uncertainty and change. You are graduating amid a global pandemic, for which there is not yet a cure. Our young democracy is under threat, and civil unrest is widespread. Our society is plagued by inequality and poverty. Our economy is flailing, and unemployment is rife,”

Now social media has been awash with reactions from people, including fellow Wits graduates and students, who take issue with Miss SA’s “physical graduation”. Here is what some had to say.

I’m still here trying to understand who thought Miss SA graduating on stage while others didn’t, was a good idea. I know we have bigger problems but??

— Mpumz N. (@MpumzN) July 20, 2021

she's no less of a Miss SA, or any less influential in her home and behind her laptop screen.

so yes, graduates are mad… rightfully so.

— rato (@Rato_K) July 20, 2021

I wanna have an opinion about this Miss SA who's the only one allowed to graduate

While other kids had celebrate at their homes..

But who am I ngo matric ka Higer certificate no level 2 kwi English FAL ..

— ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) July 20, 2021