While the pageant prides itself on being “a leading voice on female empowerment and a launchpad for much-needed social change”, José’s alleged victim took to social media, alleging Miss SA has chosen a finalist who is the opposite. The Twitter user explained, in a chain of tweets, the events of her encounters with José. 

She alleges that the bullying by José and her friends began in 2017. The victim said she and her friend reported the bullying at school but nothing was ever done. Since the Twitter user broke her silence about the alleged bullying, other girls have come forward alleging they have also been bullied by José.

A thread of @Levern_Jose and her friends bullied and tormented my friend and I for two years I’m in high school

— katchokoe (@FinegyaalKat) June 9, 2023

One Tweet reads: “Imagine even after reporting bullying at school, no one took us seriously. Why wait for girls to get into a physical fight, then people wake up”. 

Miss SA 2020, Shudufhadzo Musida partnered with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to help victims of bullying to take care of their mental health. On the basis of Musida’s work, another Tweet reads: “The Miss SA organisation needs to investigate these serious allegations and take necessary action, including qualifications. Many kids have committed suicide because of bullying. It will be 10 steps backwards to the five forward steps Musida has taken to have a bully José as Miss SA. A bully is not a victim. Stop with the victim mentality.”

Musida's book, titled Shudu finds her magic.

After her crowning, Musida released a book titled “Shudu finds her magic”, which is understood to be a children's book about bullying. The book was inspired by her experiences and the trauma that came with the bullying she went through during her younger days.

ALSO READ: ’Access to resources a big challenge for the youth’

Back to José, she went to Lyttelton Manor High School but it is unclear if the bullying allegations took place at that school or a different one. José is explained to be a candidate property practitioner, a BCom Law student at Eduvos Pretoria, and an entrepreneur. As outlined on the Miss SA website, she describes herself as a woman of resolve, grace, and learning. She would love to collaborate with the Minister of Small Business Development and the Minister of Employment and Labour to explore the economic viability of women and youth in South Africa.

ALSO READ: Four local beauties make it to Miss SA Top 12

She previously told OFM News that South Africans are battling with getting access to proper resources. “We live in a land of milk and honey, yet many of us still struggle with getting access to the resources that we truly need to progress in life. There is a great responsibility that comes with being in the Top 30, and my focus with this will be on employment and entrepreneurship in the country,” she said. Employment and entrepreneurship are important to José, as she believes this is how women and the youth can be empowered.

An enquiry has been sent to José and the Miss SA organisation for comments on the allegations of bullying.

OFM News