South Africa has revoked the national identity papers of Chidimma Adetshina, a would-be contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant, amid a controversy surrounding her nationality, the government announced.
Adetshina, 23, withdrew from the pageant in August following a wave of abuse over allegations regarding her citizenship, which prompted an official investigation.
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On Tuesday, the government stated that it was cancelling the identification documents of both Adetshina and her mother after they failed to meet a deadline to justify their retention.
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Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Adetshina faced significant backlash that highlighted the prevalent anti-foreigner sentiment in the country. Her Nigerian heritage incited severe xenophobic attacks after her announcement as a Miss South Africa finalist.
The situation attracted the attention of government ministers, with the authorities looking into claims that Adetshina’s mother may have unlawfully assumed the identity of a South African woman.
According to Home Affairs Director General Tommy Makhode, Adetshina and her mother were given until Monday to present reasons for why their national identification documents should not be cancelled.
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“We have not received any response and therefore the department will be proceeding with the withdrawal of those documents in line with the Identification Act,” Makhode said.
Adetshina announced her withdrawal from the South African competition, citing her and her family’s “safety and wellbeing.”
In September, she traveled to Nigeria, where she was warmly received and went on to win a Miss Universe pageant.
She is set to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 competition in Mexico on November 16.
South Africa and Nigeria, the two leading economies in Africa, share a longstanding rivalry that often extends into sports, music, regional political dynamics, and even ride-sharing services.
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