South Africans Sign Petition Against Miss S.A. Finalist, Chidimma Adetshina

The Miss South Africa (Miss SA) pageant has become the center of a controversy surrounding the eligibility of contestant, Chidimma Adetshina. In the latest development, some South Africans have launched a petition to oppose her participation.

Debate on Chidimma’s citizenship

Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old born and raised in Soweto, South Africa, has faced questions about her right to compete in the Miss SA competition due to her Nigerian father. However, Chidimma has asserted that she is more than qualified, as she is a South African citizen.

“I am a South African citizen and I have met all the requirements to be a part of the Miss SA competition,” Chidimma told TRUELOVE magazine. “The fact that my father is Nigerian does not take away from the fact that I am South African. My mother is South African, and I was born and raised in this country.”

Miss SA’s statement

Additionally, The Miss SA organisation has confirmed that Chidimma’s documentation has been thoroughly reviewed. They confirm that she meets all the necessary criteria to participate in the pageant.

“All documentation provided by the entrants is screened and vetted,” the organization said in a statement. “Chidimma is a South African citizen. She has met all the requirements to be a part of the Miss South Africa competition. Her mother is South African (Zulu), and her father is Nigerian.”

Petition against Chidimma

Despite the organisation’s support, some South Africans have taken to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their opposition to Chidimma’s participation. A user with the username @TwaRSA26 posted a link to a petition on change.org, urging people to “Retweet this for awareness!! let’s show them immigrants that 2024 we mean business!! Miss SA – Sign the petition.”

Another X user, @Dr_Shiyaklenga, posted the petition with the caption “Petition signed, even In her name there is nothing that says she’s a South African, yet she wants to represent South Africans. Oppose Chidima Vanessa Onwe from participating in Miss SA – Sign the Petition!”

The xenophobic backlash and petition show the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with diverse backgrounds in South Africa. Even after the Miss SA organisation has shown their support for Chidimma. Some South Africans are still not in support of her participation in the pageant.

Chidimma, who has already gained a large following since being announced as one of the Top 16 contestants, says she is disappointed by the “cynical comments” made about her roots.

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“I want to embody the spirit of South Africa and promote our country’s achievements, beauty, and warm hospitality,” Chidimma says. “I wear the South African flag with honour and grace, and by sharing my story, I proudly showcase our country.”