Chidinma Adetshina’s recent withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has highlighted complex social tensions surrounding nationality and identity in South Africa.
Though born in South Africa, Adetshina faced public backlash, primarily from a group known as the Progressive Forces, who campaigned for her removal, citing concerns over her mother’s alleged involvement in identity fraud and her Nigerian-Mozambican heritage. This scrutiny intensified when the Department of Home Affairs began investigating claims of possible fraud tied to her mother, suggesting that her South African citizenship might have been improperly obtained.
The Progressive Forces, a South African political faction known for promoting strict national identity criteria, raised objections to Adetshina’s representation of South Africa in such a high-profile event. Members of the group, alongside other critics on social media, argued that her background did not meet their expectations for an authentic South African representative, sparking further public debate. Despite her legal South African citizenship, critics alleged that her Nigerian and Mozambican heritage disqualified her as a “true” representative of the country, with many voices claiming she could not fully embody South African culture.
In response, Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student and advocate against gender-based violence, announced her withdrawal from the pageant on social media, saying her priority was her family’s safety amid the escalating backlash. The situation also reflects deeper xenophobic sentiments, as her departure prompted discussions around inclusivity in national representation and the challenges individuals with mixed national heritage face in South Africa.
Following her withdrawal, Adetshina was offered the opportunity to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she has since been embraced and celebrated as a representative of Nigerian heritage. Her story underscores the broader, ongoing discussions in South Africa about identity, citizenship, and the impact of xenophobia on public platforms and cultural institutions
