Johannesburg, South Africa – Activist Mayibuye Mandela has called for R23 million in compensation for the victim of alleged identity theft linked to the Miss South Africa controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina.
The demand comes after the Department of Home Affairs announced last week that it had uncovered a potential case of identity fraud involving the person registered as Adetshina’s mother. The former Miss SA contestant has been at the centre of a national debate over her eligibility to participate in the pageant due to questions about her citizenship.
Mandela argues that the victim of the identity theft has suffered significant financial hardship, psychological trauma, and a loss of dignity over the past 23 years. The proposed compensation, he says, is intended to address these damages, restore the victim’s rights, and deter future identity theft.
The activist has also called for the immediate arrest of all individuals involved in the alleged fraudulent activity, including Adetshina’s mother and any complicit Home Affairs officials.
While acknowledging the ongoing investigation into Adetshina’s citizenship status, Mandela insists that the focus should be on bringing to justice those responsible for the identity theft.
The Department of Home Affairs has yet to respond to the compensation demand. The case has sparked a broader conversation about the vulnerability of personal information in South Africa and the need for stricter measures to protect citizens from identity theft.
