Aug. 8th, 2024

Miss South Africa Contestant with Nigerian Roots Bows Out Amid Citizenship Controversy

Chidimma Adetshina, a Miss South Africa contestant whose Nigerian heritage ignited national controversy and prompted a government investigation, has withdrawn from the beauty pageant. Adetshina's decision to exit the competition came on Thursday, just a day after South Africa's Home Affairs ministry accused her mother of fraud and identity theft. “After much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I,” the 23-year-old law student wrote on Instagram. Since being named a finalist in July, Adetshina, born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, has faced harsh and xenophobic backlash on social media. Her participation in the pageant led to widespread scrutiny of her credentials and sparked a national debate.

The controversy intensified when the Home Affairs ministry's investigation revealed "prima facie indications" that Adetshina’s mother might have committed fraud and stolen the identity of a South African woman. The ministry is seeking legal advice on how this might affect Adetshina's citizenship, given she was an infant at the time of the alleged fraud. South Africa’s citizenship laws grant citizenship by birth to those born in the country after 1995 to a South African parent or permanent resident.

The backlash against Adetshina’s participation also touched on anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa, where there have been violent attacks on immigrants in the past. Despite support from many politicians, celebrities, and ordinary citizens, some argued for her disqualification. In her farewell announcement, Adetshina expressed gratitude for the support she received. “I am really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown,” she wrote.