Chidinma Adetshina withdraws from beauty pageant over citizenship controversy
By Tosin Brown
Chidinma Vanessa Adetshina, a contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant, has withdrawn from the competition following allegations of citizenship fraud.
Adetshina, born to a Nigerian father, came under intense scrutiny during preliminary investigations by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs. These investigations raised concerns that her citizenship may have involved fraud and identity theft.
According to a media release purportedly from the Department of Home Affairs, the inquiry into Adetshina’s citizenship was launched after a wave of controversy erupted online. Social media users had called for her disqualification from the Miss South Africa pageant, alleging that she was not a legitimate South African citizen.
On August 5, 2024, the pageant organizers formally requested the Department to verify Adetshina’s citizenship, with written consent provided by both Adetshina and her mother.
Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest potential fraud and identity theft involving the individual listed as Adetshina’s mother in Home Affairs records. However, the Department emphasized that Adetshina, who was a minor at the time of the alleged actions in 2001, was not directly involved in the fraudulent activities.
The investigation also revealed that a South African woman, whose identity may have been stolen during the process, has suffered significant consequences, including being unable to register her own child.
The Department has since expanded its investigation to identify any officials implicated in the scheme and is currently seeking legal advice on the implications for Adetshina’s citizenship status. Criminal charges are anticipated upon the conclusion of the investigation.
“Prima facie reasons exist to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded as Chidinma Adetshina’s mother,” the Department stated. “Throughout this process, we are guided by our commitment to restore and uphold the rule of law as well as the rights of all parties.”
Adetshina, now at the center of social criticism, has faced intense scrutiny over her South African identity since making it into the final Top 13 selection of this year’s competition. The 23-year-old law student from Cape Town, who has been a vocal advocate against violence towards women and children, initially attracted little attention while among the Top 30 contestants. However, scrutiny intensified after it was revealed that her parents are of mixed nationalities, with neither having South African ancestry.
The controversy has led to Adetshina withdrawing from the pageant.
As the Miss South Africa pageant prepares for its 66th edition on August 10, 2024, the winner will go on to represent the country at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico.
