Photo Credit:Instagram @chichi_vanessa
Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, recently made headlines when she withdrew from the competition following a controversy surrounding her nationality. Born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambican roots, the 23-year-old faced intense scrutiny and xenophobic attacks online after her selection raised questions about her eligibility.
On August 8, Adetshina announced her decision to step back from the contest, citing concerns for the safety and well-being of herself and her family. The situation escalated after South Africa’s Home Affairs department revealed that it was investigating claims that Adetshina’s mother might have committed fraud to obtain South African citizenship. While the department acknowledged that Adetshina could not have been involved in any illegal actions as she was an infant at the time, the investigation continued, leaving her status in a legal gray area.
The day after Adetshina’s withdrawal, the Miss Universe Nigeria organizers extended an invitation for her to compete in their pageant. Embracing the opportunity, Adetshina expressed her excitement about representing her father’s native country, calling Miss Universe Nigeria "Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant."
The controversy surrounding Adetshina’s nationality has sparked a broader conversation about identity and xenophobia in South Africa. While some figures, such as populist politician Julius Malema, have spoken out against the xenophobic attacks, others have expressed sympathy for Adetshina, including Grammy-winning singer Tyla, who condemned the online harassment the contestant faced.
If Adetshina wins the Miss Universe Nigeria title, she will go on to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe competition set to take place later this year in Mexico, continuing her journey in the world of pageantry on a global stage.
The day after Adetshina’s withdrawal, the Miss Universe Nigeria organizers extended an invitation for her to compete in their pageant. Embracing the opportunity, Adetshina expressed her excitement about representing her father’s native country, calling Miss Universe Nigeria "Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant."
The controversy surrounding Adetshina’s nationality has sparked a broader conversation about identity and xenophobia in South Africa. While some figures, such as populist politician Julius Malema, have spoken out against the xenophobic attacks, others have expressed sympathy for Adetshina, including Grammy-winning singer Tyla, who condemned the online harassment the contestant faced.
If Adetshina wins the Miss Universe Nigeria title, she will go on to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe competition set to take place later this year in Mexico, continuing her journey in the world of pageantry on a global stage.
