The Miss South Africa 2024 pageant has been thrown into turmoil, with a controversy swirling around the eligibility of finalist Chidimma Adetshina, who was born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent. The debate has sparked a heated national conversation about citizenship and representation, with some questioning whether a person born in South Africa to foreign parents can truly represent the country on the world stage.
Adding fuel to the fire, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has publicly voiced his concerns, stating that "we truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition". McKenzie, who initially expressed concerns about "funny vibes" surrounding Adetshina's participation, has now taken a firm stance, saying, "If she's a South African, we will wish her well; if she's not, we can't have her represent us on the world stage. But where I am sitting now, I don't know; I'm waiting for answers."
However, the Home Affairs Department has stepped in to clarify the situation, providing a comprehensive explanation of the citizenship laws that govern South Africa. In an interview with talk radio 702, Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza explained that South African citizenship can be obtained through birth, descent, or naturalisation.
According to the government, one automatically qualifies for South African citizenship if:
- They are born in South Africa, and at least one of their parents is a South African citizen or a South African permanent residency permit holder.
- If they are adopted by a South African citizen.
The information pertaining to acquiring citizenship should help everyone else who is in a similar situation to that of Chidimma even if they do not wish to participate in any national events. The information helps them understand how the South African citizenship laws operate.
Nzuza highlighted that "when we say by soil, it means because you were born in that country and then became a citizen in that country. One country that has adopted that model is the United States of America, where if you are born in America, then you qualify for citizenship."
However, he emphasised that South Africa operates on a system of citizenship by blood, meaning that "one of your parents must be a South African". He further explained that "children follow the status of their parents", meaning that if a parent holds permanent residency in South Africa, their child born in the country also qualifies for permanent residency.
Before Chidimma's withdrawal from the race, prominent figures have also weighed in on the matter. Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela had stated that "Ms Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina is a South African by birth lawfully participating in the Miss South Africa competition. Should she win, she is entitled to represent us as #MissSA2024".
Former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane had also provided her interpretation of the legislation related to the Citizenship Act, in a bid to solidify the legal basis for Adetshina's participation.
The Miss South Africa organisation had previously defended Adetshina and remained silent on the matter before she announced re withdrawal. The organisation's eligibility requirements for the 2024 pageant stipulate that contestants must possess a valid South African ID or passport and disclose any additional citizenships they hold.
The controversy only took a dramatic turn yesterday after the Department of Home Affairs revealed that it has found prima facie evidence suggesting that the person it had on record as Adetshina's mother might have committed fraud and identity theft. This revelation has led to Adetshina withdrawing from the competition, citing safety concerns for herself and her family.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Miss South Africa organisation confirmed Adetshina's withdrawal, stating that "recent events" were behind her "difficult" decision. The organisation wished Adetshina well in her future endeavours and reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating South Africa's diversity and upholding the spirit of Ubuntu-Botho.
The Patriotic Alliance has also taken legal action, filing an urgent interdict to prevent Adetshina from participating in the competition. The political party's deputy leader, Kenny Kunene, shared court papers on his social media, further escalating the controversy.
The Miss South Africa organisation is set to crown its new titleholder at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria on Saturday, 10 August.
