Home Affairs is investigating the nationality of Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina after public outcry regarding her eligibility. The controversy centers on her mixed heritage and adherence to Nigerian culture despite being born in South Africa. The Miss South Africa (Miss SA) pageant has found itself embroiled in controversy as Home Affairs deputy minister Njabulo Nzuza confirmed an investigation into the nationality of contestant Chidimma Adetshina. This investigation follows an uproar questioning her eligibility to participate in the competition based on her heritage.
Adetshina, 23, has faced criticism for not being a true representative of South African culture. The debate intensified after it was revealed that her father is ostensibly Nigerian and her mother is believed to be from Mozambique. Critics argue that despite being born in South Africa, Adetshina’s adherence to her father’s Nigerian culture makes her unfit to represent South Africa in the pageant.
Nzuza clarified the government’s stance, stating, “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. 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.”
He emphasized that Home Affairs does not routinely disclose private information or expend resources checking the nationality of individuals unnecessarily. “It would be a waste of resources to check if everyone walking in the streets was South African,” Nzuza added, highlighting the impracticality of such actions.
The investigation was initiated after a formal request, and Nzuza assured that the findings would be communicated in due course. The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about cultural representation and nationality within the Miss SA pageant.
In addition to the government probe, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) has also launched an investigation into Adetshina’s eligibility, asserting that she does not qualify as an SA Ambassador. However, there is a growing faction of supporters who believe that Adetshina should be allowed to compete, arguing that her birth in South Africa makes her eligible and that cultural diversity should be embraced.
The ANC’s recent NEC Lekgotla, which focused on crime, gender-based violence (GBV), immigration, and other pressing national issues, also touched upon this controversy. The outcome of the investigation will likely influence future policies regarding eligibility and representation in national competitions like Miss SA.
This case underscores the complex interplay between nationality, cultural identity, and representation in South Africa, sparking a necessary dialogue about the inclusivity and diversity of national symbols and ambassadors.