Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a 23-year-old beauty queen from Soweto, is facing backlash after advancing to the top 16 of the Miss South Africa (Miss SA) pageant. Born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, Adetshina’s participation has sparked controversy among some South Africans who argue that she is not truly South African.
Despite meeting all competition requirements, including South African citizenship, Adetshina has been targeted online and by a South African vlogger. They claim her Nigerian background disqualifies her, even resorting to harmful stereotypes about Nigerians in South Africa.
Undeterred, Adetshina has firmly asserted her identity. “I am a South African citizen,” she declared in interviews. “Being born and raised here with a South African mother makes me just as South African as anyone else.”
Adetunji Omotola, a prominent figure in South Africa’s Nigerian community, sees Adetshina’s success as a milestone. “Her achievement is truly groundbreaking,” Omotola said, “a source of immense pride for Nigerians in South Africa, especially considering the timing with the 30th anniversary of South Africa-Nigeria relations.”
Omotola, who is also the founder of the Nigerian Guild of Professionals in South Africa, praised Adetshina’s achievement. “The emergence of Chidimma Adetshina in the top 16 of the Miss SA 2024 pageant is truly remarkable. Her success at the dizzy height of SA’s premier pageant is one that would delight members of the Nigerian community immeasurably, given that Chidimma has dual nationality. It would also delight members of the Nigerian community due to the fact that it is the very first time and also coming in the year that the South Africa/Nigeria relations marks its 30th year. Chidimma’s participation is not only inspirational especially for young girls but can also serve as the ideal bridge builder between both the Nigerian and South African communities given her very high profile as a Miss SA contestant,” he commented.
Hon Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), added his support: “Chidinma Adetshina is an epitome of beauty, brains, and bravery. It proves that she has taken South Africa as a home and will be a good ambassador all around. As a true Nigerian South African, she is a true Ambassador of Peace and shows there is no limit to one’s dream irrespective of the soil one is. She has imbibed the South African culture and is ready to raise the South African flag all the way. This is proof that Nigerians are loving, peaceful, and responsible citizens that contribute to the growth and well-being of their host country. Chidimma’s move and motive will go a long way in debunking the social media backlash about her roots together with all the support from the Nigerian community.
South Africa and Nigeria are the two powerful strategically positioned nations to bring the much-needed transformation in the continent of Africa, hence collaboration in sports, education, beauty events, cultural activities, and government ties will help us see and achieve the greater good.
As NICASA, we encourage and support all her modeling ambitions as this will express to our South African brothers and sisters that we can embrace our diversities and unite for a common purpose in making Africa greater. Winning the Miss South Africa pageant is a must for our sister seeing that it will bridge our indifferences and help spread the news against hate, discrimination, and racism within our neighborhood. Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa is standing in solidarity with Chidimma in pursuing this vision.”
The Miss SA organization has also backed Adetshina, confirming her eligibility. They clarified that citizenship, regardless of origin, is the key criterion. This aligns with the amended South African Citizenship Act, which recognizes birth, descent, and naturalization as paths to citizenship.
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