Chidimma Adetshina withdraws from Miss SA pageant amid controversy over nationality

Chidimma Adetshina, the embattled Miss South Africa contestant who became the subject of an investigation into her nationality, has withdrawn from the pageant. 

Chidimma, the model of Nigerian heritage, was recently subject to controversies over her eligibility to contest for this year’s Miss South Africa.

The 23-year-old was born in Soweto, South Africa. She is believed to be of Nigerian (dad) and Mozambican (mum) heritage.

On Wednesday, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for South Africa alleged that preliminary evidence suggests Adetshina’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.

The Home Affairs, however, said Chidimma, a minor at the time of the alleged actions in 2001, was not involved in the fraudulent activities. 

In a statement via her Instagram page on Thursday, Chidimma said she was pulling out from the competition for the “safety of my family and I”.

“I would like to start off by thanking everyone beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I’ve been shown,” she wrote.

“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 wellbeing 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 the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever represents us wears the crown for all.”

 

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A post shared by Chidimma Adetshina (@chichi_vanessa)

Chidimma was among the 10 women expected to participate in the Miss South Africa grand finale on August 10, 2024, in Pretoria. The winner will represent South Africa at this year’s Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.