The drama surrounding Chidimma Adetshina, the former Miss South Africa finalist, continues to unfold, with the Department of Home Affairs poised to cancel her South African ID document.
The Department of Home Affairs, in a press briefing outside Parliament, announced that investigations into Adetshina's citizenship are ongoing. The department suspects that her South African ID could be fraudulent, alleging that her Mozambican mother may have stolen someone's identity when registering her birth.
"In the event that the director-general cancels the identity document, it would mean the registration is fraudulent, and therefore, that status is fraudulent under the law," a Home Affairs official stated.
The department is also looking into the role of Adetshina's father, who was involved in her registration.
This news has sparked widespread celebration among South Africans, with many calling for Adetshina's arrest if she is still in the country. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with users expressing their relief and demanding accountability.
"Arrest her father and mother now. Deportation must start immediately," commented Prof Moya on social media.
"And this nonsense that she's stateless must end today," added Neilwe_T.
"South Africa is slowly becoming what a country should look like," echoed Gilikanqo Njokweni.
Meanwhile, Adetshina's journey to the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant has been marked by controversy. She has garnered a staggering 7712 votes, putting her ahead of Edeifo Aikhuele (7012 votes) and Fortune Kuroro (3265 votes).
Adetshina, who now represents Taraba State of Nigeria, has embraced this opportunity, using her platform to promote inclusion and acceptance.
"I am representing nature’s gift to the nation, Taraba State. As a woman who has faced adversity, I want to use my voice and my story alongside the Miss Universe Nigeria platform to promote inclusion and acceptance. I also want to educate people on the power of diversity to build a stronger community that benefits everyone," she said in a video posted on Miss Universe Nigeria.
The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant owner, Guy Murray-Bruce, has been a vocal supporter of Adetshina, alleging that she was victimised in South Africa due to her Nigerian heritage.
"We’re trying to help someone who has been abandoned. No fault of hers. She is a victim because she has a Nigerian father and a South African mother," he said. He also claimed that Adetshina's chances at Miss SA were sabotaged.
