Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old beauty queen, has been facing significant backlash after advancing to the top 16 of the Miss South Africa (Miss SA) Pageant. Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and South African mother, Adetshina’s mixed heritage has sparked controversy among some South Africans who argue that her Nigerian background disqualifies her from the competition.
Key Points:
- Backlash and Stereotypes: Some South Africans have resorted to harmful stereotypes about Nigerians and claim that Adetshina’s Nigerian heritage makes her not “truly South African.” A South African vlogger highlighted that some citizens are unhappy with her inclusion in the pageant’s top 16.
- Adetshina’s Response: In various interviews, Adetshina has firmly stated that she is a South African citizen and meets all the requirements for the Miss SA competition. She emphasized that her Nigerian father does not negate her South African identity, as she was born and raised in South Africa and her mother is South African.
“I am a South African citizen and I have met all the requirements to be a part of the Miss SA competition. The fact that my father is Nigerian does not take away the fact that I am South African; my mother is South African, and I was born and raised in this country,” Adetshina said.
Official Stance from Miss SA Organisation:
The Miss South Africa organisation has confirmed that Adetshina met all the necessary criteria to participate in the pageant. They issued a statement clarifying that all entrants’ documentation is thoroughly screened and vetted, and Adetshina, being a South African citizen, fulfilled all requirements.
- Eligibility Requirements: According to the organisation, contestants must be South African citizens and possess a valid ID or passport. If they hold dual citizenship, they must provide documents for both.
- South African Citizenship Act: The Act allows for citizenship by birth, descent, or naturalisation, underscoring Adetshina’s eligibility. Despite this, there is a noticeable resistance among some South Africans to people of mixed heritage contesting in national competitions.
Historical Context:
In 2001, Vanessa Carreira, born to Portuguese-Angolan parents in South Africa, won the Miss South Africa title, demonstrating that contestants of diverse backgrounds have been recognized in the past.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa pageant highlights ongoing debates about national identity and heritage in South Africa. Despite the backlash, Adetshina remains determined, and the official stance of the Miss SA organisation supports her eligibility and right to compete.