Chidimma Adetshina, a recent finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant, has garnered significant attention following her traditional wedding ceremony, which trended on social media platforms after being showcased by the news outlet @MDNnewss on August 4.
The beauty queen, originally from Soweto, Gauteng, has not only made headlines for her participation in the renowned competition but also for her personal journey, which includes a recent divorce from her Nigerian husband after just a year of marriage.
In an interview with Sowetan, Adetshina candidly shared that her marriage ended in February due to underlying compatibility issues, specifically related to differing views on the role of an African married woman. She emphasized her desire for independence and the fulfillment of her dreams beyond traditional expectations, stating, “I didn’t want to be in a position where I can’t go out, but had to clean, cook.”
As a young mother to a one-year-old son, she reflected on the support from her parents throughout her tumultuous experience and expressed joy in embarking on new chapters of her life alongside her child.
Furthermore, Adetshina, who conceived her son out of wedlock, admitted that becoming a mother at her age had not been part of her initial plans. Nevertheless, she views her participation in the Miss SA pageant, where she has aspired to be a finalist since 2017, as an opportunity to fulfill her late mother’s dreams of modeling, particularly since her mother was discouraged from pursuing such ambitions.
As she prepares for the upcoming Miss SA event, where a new beauty queen will be crowned, Chidimma Adetshina represents not only the evolving narrative of women’s roles in society but also embodies resilience, aspiration, and the quest for personal identity beyond societal constraints.
