Chidimma Adetshina withdraws from Miss SA amid citizenship row
Written by admin on August 8, 2024
Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina announced her withdrawal from the pageant on Thursday, citing safety concerns and her family’s well-being.
Adetshina posted the statement on her Instagram account on Thursday.
This announcement comes a day after the Department of Home Affairs reported prima facie evidence of fraud and identity theft involving her mother.
“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,” she said in the post.
“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 well-being 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,” she added.
The 23-year-old law student, who has made it to the Top 11 for the 2024 pageant, has been a topic of intense debate on social media due to her nationality.
Adetshina was reportedly born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent, raising questions about her eligibility to compete in Miss SA.
The Home Affairs investigation was launched following a request by the pageant’s organisers.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said Adetshina’s mother granted the department consent to conduct the investigation and share the results with the public.
While the investigation uncovered prima facie evidence of fraud, the department clarified that Adetshina could not have participated in her mother’s alleged unlawful actions as she was an infant at the time.
“An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen as part of the alleged fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother, suffered as a result because she could not register her child,” the minister said.
“The department has broadened its investigation to identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme and is obtaining legal advice on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina’s citizenship status.
“Upon the completion of the investigation, Home Affairs intends to press criminal charges against all implicated parties.”
