JOHANNESBURG – The Miss South Africa pageant has been thrown into disarray after a social media storm erupted over the nationality of contestant Chidimma Adetshina. The controversy, fuelled by questions about her Nigerian name and heritage, has prompted the Department of Home Affairs to launch an official investigation.
Adetshina, born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the competition. However, her participation has sparked a heated debate about what it means to be a true representative of South African culture.
Many have questioned whether Adetshina's Nigerian heritage disqualifies her from competing in a pageant meant to celebrate South African beauty and identity. Some critics have even gone so far as to suggest that her strong adherence to her father's cultural traditions undermines her South African credentials.
"The issue of Miss South Africa, the policy and I think over the past week set out that the policy and law is very clear," said Home Affairs deputy minister, Njabulo Nzuza, addressing the media on Tuesday. "For a person to be South African you need to have been born out of South African parents or one of your parents must have been South African. The policy is very clear."
Nzuza emphasised that the department does not comment on the nationality status of individuals unless there is a credible reason. "Even this one now, we have received some requests and we are looking into the matter and the department will pronounce and make its findings known once everything has been done."
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has also launched its own investigation into the matter, echoing concerns about Adetshina's suitability as a representative of South Africa.
Despite the criticism, many have come to Adetshina's defence, arguing that her heritage should not be a barrier to her participation in the competition. They maintain that she is a proud South African who embodies the country's diverse cultural tapestry.
The Department of Home Affairs, however, has taken a firm stance, stating that it will be guided by the rule of law in its investigation.
"The Department of Home Affairs yesterday received an official request from the organisers of Miss SA to enquire into the citizenship of a contestant in an upcoming event. The request included consent from the affected individuals," said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber in a statement on X on Tuesday. "On the basis of this voluntarily request and the required consent, we are working to verify and compile the required information. Prior to this request, the Department had not received any complaint about the matter."
Schreiber added that if transgressions are found in this case, they will be handled in strict accordance with legal prescripts. "If not, we will accordingly inform the requesters. We will also keep the public informed on the outcome of the assessment."
