Chidinma Adetshina, a prominent finalist in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, has withdrawn from the competition amid growing controversy surrounding her nationality and identity. The 23-year-old, born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, became the center of intense debate on xenophobia and national identity in the country after advancing to the Top 30 of the pageant.
Her withdrawal comes after weeks of mounting pressure and online harassment from South Africans, who called for her disqualification due to concerns over her nationality.
On Thursday, Adetshina announced her decision to step down from the competition, citing the safety and well-being of herself and her family as the primary reasons for her departure.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina intensified following allegations that her mother may have committed identity fraud to register her birth in South Africa.
According to a statement from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, preliminary evidence suggested that Adetshina’s mother had stolen the identity of a South African woman to secure her daughter’s birth registration 23 years ago.
The statement reads:
‘‘Information we have uncovered thus far, the Department of Home Affairs can indicate that prima facie reasons exist to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded in Home Affairs records as Chidimma Adetshina’s mother,’’
The department initiated an investigation on Tuesday, leading to widespread speculation and further fueling the xenophobic sentiments that had already plagued Adetshina’s participation in the pageant.
As the allegations emerged, public scrutiny of Adetshina grew, with many questioning her eligibility to compete in the Miss South Africa contest.
In response to the escalating situation, Adetshina posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the support she received throughout her Miss South Africa journey.
Despite the challenges, she described her experience as an incredible journey but ultimately decided to withdraw to protect her family. The Miss South Africa Organisation supported her decision, and Adetshina wished her fellow finalists success in the competition, emphasizing that the winner would represent all participants.
However, her departure from the pageant has sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment over the situation and others believing that her choice was the best given the circumstances.
The case has highlighted broader issues of xenophobia and nationalism in South Africa, with many seeing Adetshina’s ordeal as reflective of the country’s struggles with these societal problems. Online, the debate has continued, with some defending Adetshina and criticizing the harassment she faced, while others felt that her withdrawal was inevitable given the allegations against her mother.
As the investigation by the Department of Home Affairs continues, the controversy surrounding Adetshina serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals navigating complex issues of identity in a society grappling with deep-seated prejudices.
