Miss S.A Finalist, Chidimma, Faces Xenophobic Backlash

The Miss South Africa (Miss SA) pageant finds itself involved in a controversy regarding the eligibility of a contestant, Chidimma Adetshina.

Controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina

Born and raised in Soweto, South Africa, 23-year-old Chidimma has faced questions about her participation in the pageant due to her father’s Nigerian heritage. However, Chidimma asserts that she is more than qualified to compete for the Miss SA crown.

“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 South Africa’s statement

The Miss SA organisation has put out a statement in light of this situation. They confirm that Chidimma’s documentation 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 and 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.”

According to the South African Citizenship Act, citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, or naturalisation. This means that Chidimma’s South African citizenship is valid, despite her father’s Nigerian heritage.

Chidimma, who already has 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.

“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.”

The Miss SA organization has also addressed the xenophobic comments directed at Chidimma, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and goes against the values of the pageant.