EFF Defends Miss SA Contestant Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina
By Thabo Mosia
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has stepped forward to defend Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, a Miss South Africa contestant, amid rising Afrophobic attacks. In a statement, the EFF expressed deep concern and firmly rejected the escalating hate directed at Adetshina on social media. The party highlighted that these attacks are solely based on her Nigerian heritage, despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all the competition requirements.
“The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes, with deep concern, and unequivocally rejects the escalating Afrophobic attacks directed at Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina on social media. These hateful comments stem solely from her Nigerian heritage, despite her meeting all the requirements of the competition and being South African born,” the statement read.
Adetshina’s Eligibility and Due Diligence
The EFF emphasised that Adetshina’s eligibility to compete for the Miss South Africa title should never have been questioned, as the competition conducted thorough due diligence to verify all contestants’ status. The party criticised the intense scrutiny and vitriol aimed at Adetshina, which it sees as a reflection of a colonised mindset still present among many South Africans.
“This situation reflects remnants of apartheid and colonisation, where divisive ideologies continue to plague our society. It is particularly troubling that previous contestants of foreign descent did not face similar scrutiny when they were white or Asian, such as Vanessa Carreira, whose parents are Portuguese and Angolan, highlighting a blatant case of Afrophobia,” the EFF noted.
A Call for Introspection
The EFF called on South Africans to reflect on their attitudes and consider why they exhibit such harshness towards a 23-year-old Black South African woman. They urged citizens to question their deep-seated prejudices and work towards a more inclusive society.
“This anti-African sentiment is not limited to Miss South Africa contestants. Member of Parliament, Naledi Chirwa, born in South Africa, faces similar hatred despite her citizenship, while Natasha Mazzone, who is a first-generation South African of Italian descent (both parents), does not warrant such outrage. This disparity highlights the pervasive Afrophobia within our society,” the statement continued.
Warning Against Tribalism
The EFF warned about the potential descent into tribalism that Afrophobia can cause. The party reiterated its stance on decolonising the outlook of Africans towards other Africans and called for the recognition and celebration of shared humanity.
“We must also be vigilant about the potential descent into tribalism that such Afrophobia can precipitate. The EFF has always advocated for the decolonisation of our outlook as Africans towards other Africans. We must recognise and celebrate our shared humanity and reject the divisive forces that seek to sow discord among us.”
Solidarity with Adetshina
The EFF declared its solidarity with Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina and all those facing discrimination based on their African heritage. The party urged South Africans to embrace unity and reject the remnants of colonial and apartheid mindsets.
“The EFF stands in solidarity with Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina and all those who face discrimination based on their African heritage. We urge all South Africans to embrace the spirit of unity and reject the remnants of our colonial and apartheid past. Let us build a future where all South Africans, regardless of their background, are respected and valued for who they are. Equally, we send our well wishes to all Miss South African finalists. All candidates must be awarded equal respect and fair treatment, free from victimisation and bullying,” said Leigh-Ann Mathys, the EFF National Spokesperson.
Public Outcry Over Adetshina’s Family Video
A video of Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, celebrating with her Nigerian family, surfaced online, igniting further outrage. In the video, Adetshina is seen wearing a sash with the words “Miss SA 2024 contestant” while being serenaded by her family in what appears to be a church setting.
The video has led to increased calls for her disqualification from the Miss SA 2024 competition. Even some who previously defended Adetshina expressed disappointment after the video emerged.
Social Media Reaction
Social media erupted with backlash against the Soweto-born contestant, accusing her of being an imposter and criticising her family ties. Comments and petitions calling for her removal from the competition have intensified.
Political Voices Weigh In
Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared his thoughts on the controversy via social media, indicating his scepticism about Nigerians competing in the Miss SA pageant. “I just returned from Paris and will definitely get more information tomorrow. We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I wanna get all facts before I comment but it gives funny vibes already,” McKenzie tweeted.
ActionSA president Herman Mashaba also commented, criticising Adetshina’s identification with her family, suggesting it was a bad idea given the current social climate.
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