Miss South Africa Contestant Chidimma Adetshina Withdraws Amid Controversy; Gives Reasons
Chidimma Adetshina, a prominent contestant for Miss South Africa, has withdrawn from the pageant following intense scrutiny regarding her eligibility. The decision comes after months of debate over her citizenship due to her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, despite her being born and raised in South Africa.
The 23-year-old made her decision public on Thursday morning, a day after the South African Department of Home Affairs released a statement suggesting that her mother might have committed identity fraud when registering Chidimma’s birth. The department’s preliminary investigation raised concerns that her mother had used a South African woman’s identity.
In response to the investigation and the growing public pressure, Chidimma issued a statement announcing her withdrawal. She expressed gratitude to her supporters and acknowledged the challenging journey she faced. Her statement read:
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me throughout my Miss South Africa journey. I am grateful for all the love and encouragement I have received. Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been a remarkable experience. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw for the safety and well-being of my family and myself. I appreciate the support from the Miss South Africa Organisation and wish the best for the remaining finalists. Whoever wins the crown will represent us all.”
Chidimma had previously spoken about the backlash she faced, feeling unsupported by the very people she sought to represent. She expressed disillusionment over the criticism she received, attributing it to xenophobia and racial prejudice.
Chidimma, who is a law student, model, and netball player, was not the first contestant to face such scrutiny. Earlier in the year, model Sherry Wang also encountered controversy, and past winners like Carreira Coutroulis, who was born to Portuguese-Angolan parents, have faced similar challenges.
