NICASA Backs Miss SA Contestant Chidimma Adetshina

Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a 23-year-old Miss South Africa (Miss SA) contestant from Soweto, has received strong support from the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) as she faces controversy surrounding her participation. Adetshina, who has a Nigerian father and a South African mother, has advanced to the top 16 of the pageant but faces online backlash and accusations questioning her South African identity.

Hon Frank Onyekwelu, President of NICASA, publicly endorsed Adetshina, calling her “an epitome of beauty, brains, and bravery” and emphasizing her role as a good ambassador who has embraced South African culture. Onyekwelu stated, “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 two powerful, strategically positioned nations to bring the much-needed transformation to 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 differences and help spread the news against hate, discrimination, and racism within our neighborhood. The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa is standing in solidarity with Chidimma in pursuing this vision.”

Onyekwelu highlighted the broader significance of Adetshina’s participation, noting that collaboration between South Africa and Nigeria in various sectors—including sports, education, beauty events, cultural activities, and government relations—can foster greater unity and transformation across Africa. He stressed the importance of embracing diversity to achieve common goals and make Africa greater.

The Miss SA organization has reiterated Adetshina’s eligibility, stating that her South African citizenship meets all requirements. This stance aligns with the amended South African Citizenship Act, which acknowledges various pathways to citizenship, including birth, descent, and naturalization.