The Miss South Africa pageant has been thrown into turmoil after the Department of Home Affairs revealed that Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina's mother committed identity fraud to gain South African citizenship. The revelation has sparked outrage and raised questions about Adetshina's eligibility to compete in the national pageant.
The Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation after the Miss SA Organisation requested verification of Adetshina's citizenship. The request was submitted on August 5th, amidst growing public concern about Adetshina's eligibility to represent South Africa in the competition.
"The Department of Home Affairs herewith provides an update on the ongoing investigation into the citizenship of Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant in the upcoming Miss SA event," said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber in a statement.
The investigation revealed that Adetshina's mother allegedly stole the identity of an innocent South African mother, preventing her from registering her own child. The alleged fraud occurred in 2001, when Adetshina was still an infant.
"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," said Schreiber.
However, the Department has broadened its investigation to identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme. They are also seeking legal advice on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina's citizenship status.
"The department has broadened its investigation to identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme. And it is obtaining legal advice on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina’s citizenship status,” said Schreiber.
Schreiber said the department also planned to press criminal charges against all parties involved in the matter. This will be upon completion of the investigation.
The Department of Home Affairs has taken a firm stance, stating that it will be guided by the rule of law in its investigation. "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," said Schreiber.
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.
"So Mr Minister of Popi act it had to take the citizens to stand up before you took action. Nothing made sense her father came to South Africa in 2010 so how was she born here, please explain," commented one reader on the Sunday World website.
The incident has highlighted the urgent need for the digital modernisation of Home Affairs applications, adjudication, and verification processes to prevent fraudulent interference.
"This case, which stems from fraudulent activities committed 23 years ago, highlights the urgent need for the digital modernisation of Home Affairs applications, adjudication and verification processes. To insulate the department against fraudulent interference. Similar to the reforms undertaken at the South African Revenue Service in the late 2000s," said Schreiber.
