The recent debate ignited by Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina’s eligibility has drawn attention from various corners of South African society, particularly from political figures and social media. Adetshina, who was born in Soweto’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, has a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent, raising questions about her identity and eligibility to compete for the esteemed title.
In an age where social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, the scrutiny Adetshina faces predominantly stems from discussions surrounding her lineage. Despite being a South African citizen and having been born in the country, allegations questioning whether she is “South African enough” have emerged, largely fueled by a video showcasing her celebrating with individuals in traditional Nigerian attire. This has led some to assert that her participation in the competition is inappropriate, raising questions about what it means to be South African.
Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has joined the discourse, leveraging his social media presence to express concerns regarding Adetshina’s participation. Following calls from the public for intervention, McKenzie stated: “We truly cannot have Nigerians competing in our Miss SA competition,” suggesting that further investigation into Adetshina’s background is warranted. This statement indicates a rising nationalist sentiment within certain circles that prioritizes ethnic identity over citizenship.
Adding to this dialogue, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba also weighed in with a critical stance, suggesting that Adetshina is compromising her identity by aligning with what he perceives as “characters likely in South Africa illegally.” In stark contrast, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema defended Adetshina, emphasizing that citizenship is determined by place of birth rather than lineage. His remarks challenge the prevailing narratives of xenophobia that manifest in South Africa, arguing for individual identity and the need to reject prejudice based on heritage.
The Miss South Africa organization, meanwhile, has maintained its requirements set forth for contestants, which specifically state that all entrants must be South African citizens in possession of a valid ID or passport. This stipulation is crucial as it establishes a clear framework for eligibility, indicating that contestants are vetted thoroughly to ensure they meet all necessary criteria.
As Adetshina continues to advance in the competition—now positioned in the top 11—the controversy has intensified, with a petition being circulated to disqualify her from the final events. The impending crowning, set to take place in just one week, has only added to the urgency surrounding the issue.
