Photo Credit: FAWAZ OYEDEJI / AFP
Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student originally from Soweto, South Africa, has found a new opportunity in Nigeria after xenophobic backlash forced her to withdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant. Adetshina, born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, now hopes to find success in the Miss Universe Nigeria contest, an event that marks a dramatic shift in her journey through the world of beauty pageantry.
Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa competition in July 2024 ignited a national controversy, largely due to her Nigerian heritage. The situation escalated when South African officials initiated an investigation into her citizenship, accusing her mother of identity fraud. Faced with increasing public scrutiny, including from government ministers and hostile social media campaigns, Adetshina decided to withdraw from the pageant, citing concerns for her family’s safety.
Despite the turmoil in South Africa, Adetshina’s story took a positive turn when the organizers of Miss Universe Nigeria invited her to compete in their pageant. The invitation was met with widespread support from Nigerians, and Adetshina expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received. At a Lagos hotel, where she joined the other 24 contestants, Adetshina was embraced by her fellow participants, who emphasized unity and condemned the xenophobia she had faced.
Her participation in Miss Universe Nigeria is more than just a second chance at pageantry; it represents a stand against the discrimination she encountered in South Africa. Her story has resonated with many across Africa, highlighting the broader issues of identity, inclusivity, and the challenges faced by those with dual heritage. Many supporters, including some South Africans, are now rooting for her to succeed in Nigeria, with some even predicting her victory in the pageant.
As she prepares to represent the northeastern Nigerian state of Taraba, Adetshina has just a few days to familiarize herself with the local customs. However, her determination to triumph in the face of adversity remains strong. Her journey from being vilified in South Africa to being celebrated in Nigeria underscores the importance of solidarity and support across national borders, challenging the xenophobic attitudes that continue to plague parts of the continent .
