Nigerian-born Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina has withdrawn from the 2024 Miss South Africa competition, citing safety concerns for herself and her family amid ongoing xenophobic attacks from South Africans questioning her nationality.
In a statement posted on her Instagram page on Thursday, August 8, Adetshina expressed gratitude for the support she received during her Miss South Africa journey but said she made the "difficult decision" to withdraw after "much careful consideration".
The 23-year-old, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, faced intense scrutiny and criticism from South Africans who argued she was ineligible to compete in the pageant despite meeting all requirements.
The controversy escalated this week when the South African Department of Home Affairs issued a circular alleging that Adetshina's mother may have been involved in identity theft, casting doubt on her citizenship.
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However, the Miss South Africa organization had previously verified her status as a contestant.
In her withdrawal statement, Adetshina wished her fellow finalists well and said "whoever wears the crown represents us all".
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party condemned the "Afrophobic attacks" on Adetshina, stressing that her eligibility should never have been questioned and that the intense scrutiny revealed a "continued colonised mindset among many South Africans".
Adetshina's withdrawal comes just days before the Miss South Africa 2024 event scheduled for Saturday, August 10, in Pretoria
3 Comments
It's better as she withdraws from the competition, because of her own safety, due to how toxic South Africans can be.
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ReplyDeleteIt's better as she withdraws from the competition, because of her own safety, due to how toxic South Africans can be.ReplyDelete
When will South Africans know that we are one, whether you're born in their country or not... I'm happy to know that the she made the decision to leave, her safety comes first.
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