Chidimma Adetshina
By Sello Masilo
Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina has withdrawn from the pageant following a Home Affairs investigation into her citizenship. The Department of Home Affairs found prima facie indications of fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother.
Adetshina’s Announcement on Instagram
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Adetshina expressed her gratitude to her supporters and announced her withdrawal from the competition. “I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown. Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I. With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience. I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all of the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”
Investigation Unveils Alleged Fraud
The Department of Home Affairs revealed that there are prima facie reasons to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded in Home Affairs records as Adetshina’s mother. This investigation stems from a request made by the organisers of Miss South Africa to verify Adetshina’s citizenship, accompanied by written consent from both Adetshina and her mother.
Department’s Efforts and Findings
Upon receiving the request, the department deployed extensive resources, including archival research and site visits, to establish the truth. The department has uncovered several key findings:
• Prima facie reasons to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded as Adetshina’s mother.
• Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother, as she was an infant at the time in 2001.
• An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen, suffered as she could not register her child.Broadened Investigation and Legal Actions
The scope of the investigation has broadened since the original request, and the department is now identifying and pursuing any officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme. Legal advice is being sought on the implications of the alleged fraud on Adetshina’s citizenship status. Home Affairs intends to press criminal charges against all implicated parties upon completion of the investigation.
Implications for Home Affairs Processes
“This case highlights the urgent need for the digital modernisation of Home Affairs applications, adjudication, and verification processes to insulate the department against fraudulent interference, similar to the reforms undertaken at the South African Revenue Service in the late 2000s,” the department stated. The case also underscores the necessity of handling court-ordered unblocking of duplicate IDs with caution.
Commitment to Rule of Law
Throughout this process, Home Affairs has been guided by its commitment to restoring and upholding the rule of law and the rights of all parties involved. The department provided the public update based on the official request received from Miss South Africa, as well as the consent provided by both Adetshina and her mother.
“We will provide a final update once the investigation is concluded,” the department said.
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