Chidimma Adetshina was in the news for several weeks because of her identity in the run-up to Miss South Africa. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs home affairs said she was a Nigerian and shouldn’t be allowed to compete in the beauty pageant. This revelation gathered pace, and South Africans online pressured her to leave the stage. Adetshina finally resigned from the competition. However, who is Chidimma Adetshina and what’s the truth about her identity?
Who is Chidimma Adetshina?
Vanessa Onwe Chidimma Adetshina was born in Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a mother, whose identity has been questioned. Some reports indicate she’s a South African of Mozambican descent. Beyond that, not much is known about her childhood. As for her education, Chidimma is a law student.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
People Also Read: George Crum: The Potato Chip Inventor You Probably Didn’t Know
Beauty Pageantry
Chidimma was one of the 2024 Miss South Africa contestants and finalists. However, her eligibility was questioned because of her dual nationality. This led to investigations by the South Africa Department of Home Affairs, which uncovered that her mother acquired South African citizenship fraudulently.
South Africans responded with a wave of criticism on social media, stating she shouldn’t represent them. However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) defended her, calling for an end to xenophobia and advocating for inclusivity.
People Also Read: 9 Greatest African Women Who Have Shaped the Continent
Ladies can get the best high heels on Amazon.
Chidimma Withdraws From the Pageant
After weeks of backlash, Chidimma stepped down from the competition. In an Instagram post, the beauty pageant said she withdrew for the “well-being of her family and herself.” Here’s her full statement:
People Also Read: 9 Unknown Facts About Frederick Douglass You Should Know
Get the best beauty products on Target.
Invitation From Miss Universe Nigeria
A few days after her withdrawal from Miss South Africa, Chidimma Adetshina received an invitation from Miss Universe Nigeria. She published her acceptance on her Instagram, part of it stated:
“I have received an invitation from the Silverbird Group, the organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. It is with great excitement because I have decided to accept this invitation.
I understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with this title, and I am so excited to embark on this journey.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, and I look forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria.”
People Also Read: Top 5 Black Models Who Were Trailblazers on the Runway
Get nutritious foods on Insta Cart.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Crowned Miss Nigeria
Chidimma represented Taraba State and joined the competition in the final stages. On September 1, she was eventually crowned Miss Universe Nigeria. On that, she refuted allegations of winning out of pity, insisting she went through the other contestants’ process.
“Many people felt like it was a pity win and I do not think so. I feel like I worked hard. Coming from the SA journey, we spent 10 weeks in camp,” she said.
“It might have been a slight difference, but I feel like, if we have to look at the journey we have all been through, I feel like I had the same experience they did.”
After her win, she reflected on her experience, after being forced to withdraw from Miss South Africa. This is what she told the BBC.
“It’s just not a nice feeling. I’ve been avoiding it a lot, and it has only started to cloud me now,” Adetshina said.
“It’s something I will work on and see a therapist because I feel like I have been suppressing my emotions.”
Ladies can get the best dresses at Walmart.
Xenophbobia
It’s not the first time South Africa has been accused of xenophobia. Xenophobia is the prejudice against people from another country. According to the Witwatersrand University’s Xenowatch, xenophobic attacks resulted in 669 deaths, 310 looted shops, and 127,572 displacements between 1994 and March 2024.
the News Agency of Nigeria estimated that at least 128 Nigerians were killed in South Africa between 2019 and February 2022.
Chidimma isn’t the only contestant to have faced backlash over her identity. Former contestant Melissa Nayimuli said she received the same treatment as Adetshina because her father is Ugandan. That notwithstanding, Adetshina said she was “proud to be Nigerian and South African.
Do you think Chidimma Adetshina deserved to win the Miss Universe Nigeria crown?
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
