The Miss South Africa pageant has been thrown into turmoil, with the withdrawal of contestant Chidimma Adetshina following allegations of identity fraud and a legal challenge from the Patriotic Alliance. The controversy has also prompted public apologies from several high-profile figures, including Lerato Kganyago, Prince Kaybee, and DJ Sbu, who initially voiced support for Adetshina.
The drama unfolded on Wednesday when the Department of Home Affairs announced it had uncovered prima facie evidence suggesting that the person it had on record as Adetshina's mother may have committed fraud and identity theft. This announcement was followed by a statement from the Patriotic Alliance, which revealed it had initiated urgent legal action to prevent Adetshina from participating in the competition.
The political party's deputy leader, Kenny Kunene, shared court papers on his social media platform, adding fuel to the fire. The Department of Home Affairs, meanwhile, requested time to investigate the matter further.
"Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and me," the 23-year-old shared in a brief statement on social media. "With the support of the Miss South Africa organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience."
In response to Adetshina's withdrawal, Miss SA organisers released a statement wishing her well in her future endeavours, acknowledging the "difficult" decision she had made.
"In light of recent events, 2024 Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition," the statement read. "We wish Chidimma all of the very best and success in all her endeavours. Miss South Africa celebrates South Africa's rich and inclusive culture and diversity. We uphold the spirit of Ubuntu-Botho and are committed to contributing to the self-belief, self-confidence and the fulfilment of the aspirations of all girls and women in Africa and worldwide."
The Miss SA organisation initially only reposted Adetshina's statement when she withdrew from the competition, choosing not to comment on the allegations of identity fraud. However, the organisation's subsequent statement acknowledging the "recent events" suggests that they were aware of the controversy surrounding Adetshina's participation.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina's withdrawal has sparked a wave of apologies from several high-profile figures who had initially voiced support for the contestant. Radio DJ Lerato Kganyago, who had been vocal in her support for Adetshina and had criticised Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie's comments on the matter, issued a public apology for her stance.
"All she wanted to do was support another Black woman," Kganyago explained, adding that she had been "disappointed" with McKenzie's "pseudo-xenophobic" remarks. She also defended the Miss SA Organisation's vetting process, stating that they had conducted proper checks and balances to ensure the eligibility of all contestants.
DJ Sbu, known as Sbusiso Leope, also issued a public apology on his breakfast show on Radio 2000, acknowledging that he had defended Adetshina without knowing the full extent of the allegations.
"I’ve never been arrogant. I humble myself as the law is taking its course. Anybody that I may have offended with any of the things I might have said on social media, regarding the Miss SA matter,” said DJ Sbu. “I would like to apologise with no excuses. I am also a South African. If the law has been broken, let the law take its course,” he added.
Prince Kaybee also expressed regret for his initial support for Adetshina, acknowledging that he had been misled by the information available at the time.
The Miss SA organisation has thanked its sponsors, partners, fans and all stakeholders for their continued support, and wished the remaining finalists all the best. However, the controversy surrounding Adetshina's withdrawal has undoubtedly left a mark on the pageant, raising questions about the vetting process and the organisation's commitment to upholding its values of inclusivity and diversity.
The Department of Home Affairs' investigation into the allegations of fraud and identity theft is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, will be faced by those involved. The Patriotic Alliance, meanwhile, has vowed to continue its legal challenge, adding another layer of complexity to this unfolding saga.
