Who Is Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina? Miss South Africa Finalist Faces Criticism Over Her Nigerian Roots, Here’s All You Need To Know About the Xenophobic Controversy
Chidimma Adetshina, a Miss South Africa 2024 contestant, is facing xenophobic violence and criticism. But why is Chidimma Adetshina facing criticism? What is the Miss South Africa Chidimma Adetshina controversy all about? Chidimma Adetshina has allegedly been facing severe criticism for her Nigerian roots. The 23-year-old model’s father is from Nigeria, whereas her mother, who is from Mozambique, is a naturalised South African citizen. Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina was born and brought up in Soweto, South Africa. The 23-year-old model is also a Law student at Varsity College. Chidimma’s passions and interests include playing sports and netball. She balances her modelling career along with her academics and sports. She also works for children’s and women’s rights and is an advocate against gender-based violence. However, she is facing xenophobic violence, intense backlash and criticism online for her Nigerian surname and roots. Chidimma Adetshina made it to the top 30 finalists in the Miss South Africa beauty contest when she started facing backlash for her Nigerian background. She then advanced to the top 20, and now she is a finalist in the top 10, who will be competing for the coveted Miss South Africa crown. Kenza Layli From Morocco Crowned World’s First Miss AI, Influencer Beats 1,500 Contestants in Inaugural Competition (View Pictures).
What is the Miss South Africa, Chidimma Adetshina Controversy About?
Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina is a Miss South Africa 2024 pageant finalist. Chidimma was born and brought up in Soweto, South Africa. Chidimma entered the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant and made it to the top 30, which was when people started questioning her Nigerian surname and roots. Chidimma has been facing increasing xenophobic violence, intense backlash, scrutiny, and criticism online. Her identity and heritage have become a national debate in South Africa. According to reports, Chidimma’s father is a Nigerian, whereas her mother is from Mozambique but she is now a naturalised South African citizen. Chidimma herself was born and brought up in Soweto, South Africa. Despite her South African birth and upbringing, her heritage and roots are causing some to challenge her eligibility to contest for Miss South Africa and represent the country on such a prominent and global stage. Chidimma’s participation in the pageant has been met with criticism and hatred. This is not the first time a contestant’s heritage has been questioned. In the past, other contestants, too, have faced scrutiny over their roots. This issue has shed light on the country’s deep-seated history of discrimination and xenophobic violence, particularly towards those from other African countries. Netizens took to social media to express their displeasure and disapproval of Chidimma contesting for Miss South Africa. Gayton McKenzie, the minister of sports, arts, and culture in South Africa, also commented on the matter and mentioned that Nigerians cannot compete for Miss South Africa. Some even shared rules and eligibility for Miss South Africa contestants. Here’s how they reacted. Who Is Zara Shatavari? View Photos of India’s ‘Miss AI’ Candidate Set to Compete at World’s First AI Beauty Pageant.
South African Minister, Gayton McKenzie Comments
I just returned from Paris and will definitely get more information tomorrow, we truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I wanna get all facts before I comment but it gives funny vibes already. https://t.co/KQ6K0MT6aG
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 29, 2024
Netizens Share Miss South Africa 2024 Eligibility Rules
(1/4) Miss South Africa 2024 | Eligibility
Let this be the final judge if Chiddina Vanessa Adetshina qualifies to participate in Miss SA 👇🏽🧵 pic.twitter.com/XPU95r0xR5
— Vimlesh Rajbansi (@VimleshRajbansi) July 28, 2024
Miss South Africa Entry Requirements
(2/4) Miss SA rules and entry requirements provide:
“Applicants do not have to have been born a female to enter” but “to be eligible to compete internationally the contestant must be in possession of a valid South African ID document reflecting that their amended sex is female.” pic.twitter.com/tRbbMCEss3
— Vimlesh Rajbansi (@VimleshRajbansi) July 28, 2024
Is Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina Eligible?
(3/4) Dual Citizenship
“Miss South Africa entrants must be South African citizens and in possession of a valid South African ID document or passport. If an applicant holds dual citizenship, they must provide details of both on the entry form.” pic.twitter.com/ePVdv7W1kQ
— Vimlesh Rajbansi (@VimleshRajbansi) July 28, 2024
Miss SA 2024 Entry Rules
(4/4) Reference
MISS SA 2024 ENTRY FAQ’S & REQUIREMENTShttps://t.co/cqWxLbUgkC pic.twitter.com/f1Z0Qh4Uck
— Vimlesh Rajbansi (@VimleshRajbansi) July 28, 2024
Miss South Africa 2024 Eligibility Requirements
According to the official Miss South Africa website, the contestant must be at least 20 years old and under 30 as of August 10, 2024. This means that the applicant can turn 30 within her year of reign. The applicant must also be a South African citizen and must possess a valid South African passport or valid ID. If the contestant has dual citizenship, details of both must be provided.
Miss South Africa 2024 Finale
The Miss South Africa Finale will be held on August 10, 2024, in Pretoria at 6:00 PM, which will be 9:30 PM (IST).
Even after repeated attempts and appeals for Miss South Africa to disqualify Chidimma from the pageant, the organisation has stood by her, mentioning that South African citizenship is the primary qualification for entrance, regardless of origin. This is consistent with the amended South African Citizenship Act, which recognises birth, naturalisation and descent as viable routes to citizenship.
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on Jul 31, 2024 10:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).
