Miss SA Finalist Chidimma Adetshina
By Mpho Moloi
Johannesburg – The Miss South Africa pageant has recently been overshadowed by controversy surrounding one of its finalists, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina. The 23-year-old contestant’s nationality came under scrutiny after the Department of Home Affairs revealed potential identity fraud involving her mother.
The Department of Home Affairs released a statement on Wednesday indicating that preliminary investigations suggest Adetshina’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft. The department uncovered that Adetshina’s mother might have illegally altered records, leading to complications regarding Adetshina’s citizenship status. “Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother, as she was an infant at the time when the activities took place in 2001,” the statement read.
An innocent South African mother’s identity was allegedly stolen during the fraudulent activities, preventing her from registering her child. This revelation surfaced after Miss SA organisers sought verification of Adetshina’s citizenship from the department. Both Adetshina and her mother provided written consent for this verification process.
The Department of Home Affairs deployed extensive resources, including archival research and site visits, to uncover the truth. They have expanded their investigation to identify and pursue any officials involved in the fraudulent scheme and are seeking legal advice on the implications of these activities on Adetshina’s citizenship. Criminal charges against all implicated parties are anticipated once the investigation concludes. “There are ongoing engagements with all stakeholders, including Adetshina’s mother,” the department added.
Chidimma Adetshina’s father is Nigerian, while her mother is believed to be from Mozambique. This background has sparked a heated debate over her eligibility to participate in the Miss South Africa pageant. Critics argue that her Nigerian heritage disqualifies her, despite her South African birth.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have publicly defended Adetshina against rising Afrophobic attacks. In a statement, the EFF condemned the hate directed at Adetshina on social media, highlighting that these attacks are based on her Nigerian heritage. “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.
The EFF emphasised that Adetshina’s eligibility should not be questioned, as the pageant organisers conducted thorough due diligence. They pointed out the hypocrisy in the scrutiny faced by Adetshina, noting that previous contestants of foreign descent, such as Vanessa Carreira, did not face similar backlash. “This situation reflects remnants of apartheid and colonisation, where divisive ideologies continue to plague our society,” the EFF noted.
The Miss SA organisation confirmed that Adetshina is eligible to compete, stating that she has met all the requirements. “All documentation provided by the entrants is screened and vetted. Chidimma is a South African citizen, her mother is South African, and her father is Nigerian,” the organisation confirmed.
However, the Patriotic Alliance expressed concerns over Adetshina’s candidacy. They questioned the authenticity of her mother’s South African citizenship and accused the Miss SA organisers of prematurely legitimising Adetshina’s participation. “Conflicting reports are circulating, including whether her mother has in fact ever been South African. The contestant herself has also not clarified this issue. And this does not give the people of South Africa comfort,” their statement read.
The Patriotic Alliance further accused the Miss SA organisers of hasty validation, citing video evidence showing Adetshina’s family celebrating her success as Nigerians. “It is clear from video material in circulation of her with her family that her family is fully Nigerian. And that they are celebrating her success as Nigerians not South Africans,” they stated.
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie also weighed in, defending South Africans’ right to question Adetshina’s citizenship. He noted that Miss South Africa represents the country on the global stage and that the public has a legitimate right to ensure she meets all the requirements. “Miss South Africa is not just somebody that’s here. This is somebody that’s an ambassador of your country. Miss South Africa is somebody that represents your country on the world stage and people have a legitimate right to ask the question and she can answer the question,” McKenzie said.
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