The South African Government has revoked the national identity documents of Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contestant, amid a controversy surrounding her citizenship.
The 23-year-old law student, born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, withdrew from the pageant in August after facing intense backlash and xenophobic attacks regarding her nationality. Born to a Nigerian father, and a Mozambique mother, she was raised in Soweto.
The model stood a good chance in the South African competition until a torrent of abuse from some South Africans who claimed she was not qualified to contest in the pageant because her father is not South African.
Officials announced on Tuesday that both Adetshina and her mother would lose their identification documents after failing to meet a deadline to justify their citizenship status. The investigation began after allegations emerged that Adetshina’s mother might have assumed the identity of a South African woman.
READ ALSO : Blessing in disguise: Chidimma Adetshina emerges Miss Universe Nigeria 2024
Home Affairs Director General, Tommy Makhode confirmed that the department had not received any explanation by the deadline and would proceed with the document cancellation in accordance with the Identification Act. Adetshina stated that her decision to withdraw from the pageant was made for the “safety and wellbeing” of her family.
Following her withdrawal, Adetshina traveled to Nigeria, where she was embraced and subsequently won a Miss Universe pageant.
Guy Murray-Bruce, President of Silverbird Group, organisers of the competition, announced Adetshina as the winner at the grand finale which held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. The winner represented Taraba State in the keenly contested competition, which had a total of 25 participants.
Despite the initial setback, Adetshina’s victory marks a significant achievement in her modeling career, silencing doubts and earning her a prestigious crown.
She is set to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe 2024 competition in Mexico on November 16. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between South Africa and Nigeria, which have a history of rivalry in various sectors, including sports and politics.
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