Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida has used the past few weeks after her crowning to focus on her studies.
Musida, 24, was speaking at the first leg of the homecoming events lined up from yesterday until tomorrow in Limpopo. She is from Ha-Vhangani at Ha-Masia village, outside Thohoyandou.
She said she remained committed to her studies. Musida is a bachelor of social sciences in philosophy, politics and economics graduate.
She is studying towards an honours degree in international relations at Wits University.
"To be honest, before the crowning and now, my life has not changed that much. I still have stress of school assignments because before the title I was studying all the time," she said.
"The only difference is that I'm employed and that really makes me happy. And also, I feel great when I walk in a room full of people and they call me 'Miss SA', that gives me an amazing feeling."
Musida said she was motivated to speak out about mental health for the betterment of the lives of women and children.
Accompanied by MEC for sports, arts and culture Thandi Moraka and other senior government officials, Musida drove through the streets of Polokwane and Seshego during her parade where she was greeted by scores of residents.
Some of the people who came to get a glimpse of Musida during the parade were disappointed because they didn't see her.
Tebogo Monareng from Seshego, who waited to see Musida in Polokwane, said she could hardly see the beauty pageant winner because she travelled in a Mercedes Benz convertible and a lot of people were close to the car.
"I thought she was travelling in a topless bus for everyone to see her. Also, I think the government should have organised a stage at the park where she would greet us," Monareng said.
There was jubilation from young and old people who came in their numbers to greet Miss SA, with the energetic ones running behind her convoy to take pictures with their cellphones.
Ramokone Sekhula from Juju Valley in Seshego said she came early to buy her groceries and was waiting to see Musida. "I'm so happy for her and we wish her all the best in her life. She must represent Limpopo very well," she said.
Sandra Mohlabi-Moyo said Musida was bringing hope to young women in the province.
"She is educated and intelligent and we hope many young women will learn from her success story."
Musida will be embarking on the second leg of her homecoming in the Vhembe district and then go to her family tomorrow.
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