Chidimma Adesthina has withdrawn from the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant after a controversial investigation into her citizenship was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Adesthina announced her decision on Instagram, citing the safety of her family as the reason for her withdrawal, and described her participation as an “amazing journey.”
Her post read, “With the support of the Miss South Africa organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”
This came after the Ministry of Home Affairs launched an investigation into Adetchina’s citizenship. This investigation, which began at the request of the event organisers, unearthed prima facie indications of fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother 23 years ago.
According to a media statement issued by the Ministry, the organisers of Miss SA approached Home Affairs on 5 August 2024, seeking verification of Adetshina’s citizenship. The request was accompanied by written consent from both Adetshina and her mother, allowing the Department to delve into the matter.
“Upon receiving this request, the Department deployed every resource at its disposal to establish the truth. This has included archival research, visits to hospitals, and site visits to verify information,” the statement read.
Preliminary findings have revealed that Adetshina’s mother may have engaged in identity theft and fraud in 2001, shortly after Chidimma’s birth. The alleged fraudulent activities involved stealing the identity of an innocent South African mother, thereby affecting her ability to register her own child.
The Ministry’s statement noted, “Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother, as she was an infant at the time when the activities took place in 2001.”
Adesthina came under fire after her nationality was questioned by netizens on whether she was qualified to enter the competition due to her father and mother being of Nigerian and Mozambican descent.
Social media platforms saw a surge in negative comments questioning her eligibility and authenticity as a South African. Critics argued that her participation undermined the national identity and the purpose of the pageant.
Adetshina herself spoke out against the discrimination, expressing her disappointment and stress over the situation. She has emphasised her South African upbringing and her commitment to representing the country with pride. “I am proud to call South Africa my home, and I want to use this platform to bridge gaps and foster unity,” Adetshina said in a recent interview.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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