The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina’s participation in Miss South Africa 2024 has sparked an ongoing brouhaha between South Africans and Nigerians on the X app.
On July 23, 2024, Africa Facts Zone tweeted, “South African Model, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina has made it to the Top 13 of Miss South Africa 2024.”
This announcement triggered a wave of cyberbullying against Chidimma Adetshina, with many South Africans using slur words and hate speech, prompting her to withdraw from the competition.
The comments section of Africa Facts Zone was filled with hate speech, with some users calling her a fraud and attacking her family.
Chidimma Adetshina’s Tragic Story
Her father is believed to be from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria, while her mother’s identity has been questioned, with some alleging she is from Mozambique, not South African.
This led to a petition calling for her dismissal from the competition, which garnered 7,622 signatures as of July 26, 2024.
In response to the bullying, many Nigerians on the X app offered support for Chidimma Adetshina, while also attacking South Africans and accusing them of xenophobia.
However, not all South Africans opposed her participation, with some expressing support and urging others to stop bullying her.
On August 10, 2024, South African Grammy-winning artist Tyla tweeted her support for Chidimma Adetshina, facing backlash from South Africans who threatened her brand and told her to stay silent.
Amidst the controversy, EFF President Julius Malema expressed support for Chidimma Adetshina, stating she is South African because her mother is a citizen.
“Your citizenship is determined by where you were born, if she was born here she’s South African it doesn’t matter.” he said.
South Africans then called on Home Affairs SA to investigate her citizenship, leading to a preliminary report alleging her mother was involved in fraud.
Home Affairs SA, knowing the more damage it has caused the ongoing delicate matter and how their first preliminary report had rather populated the matter sent out a public notice urging the public to allow them to complete the investigation and release a final report.
“Department of Home Affairs calls for space to conclude citizenship investigation,” they requested.
Chidinma Adetshina, unable to withstand the relentless hate and cyberbullying, made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition on August 8th, 2024, just two days before the main event scheduled for August 10th.
In a statement posted on her Instagram account, she shared her thoughts and feelings regarding her withdrawal.
“I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss SouthAfrica journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown. Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey, however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and I.” she wrote.
Chidinma Adetshina’s courageous withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition resonated deeply with Miss Universe Nigeria, who promptly extended an invitation for her to participate in their upcoming 2024 event.
As the organization and fans eagerly await her response, she has yet to confirm whether she will accept the offer, leaving everyone in suspense regarding her next move.
Lastly, we condemn cyberbullying and urge both sides to resolve their differences amicably, waiting for the final report from Home Affairs SA to either vindicate or denounce Chidimma Adetshina’s South African citizenship.
We offer our support to her and her family, apologizing for their experience. Let’s refrain from cyberbullying, hate speech, and division. We are all ONE AFRICA!
Read full tragic withdrawal statement here:
