Cape Town — Chidimma Onwe Adetshina, a standout in the Miss SA 2024 competition as one of the top 14 finalists, is causing waves on social media after sparking a lively debate about her ethnic heritage.
IOL reports that Adetshina, born in South Africa to Nigerian parents, has ignited discussions online after some users claimed her mother is Mozambican while her father is Nigerian.
While some cheer her diversity, others are questioning her eligibility to represent the country in the prestigious pageant, arguing over what defines South African roots.
In a viral video shared by Africa Facts Zone, Adetshina, also an LLB law student, eloquently introduces herself highlighting her advocacy work against violence towards women and children.
South African Model, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina’s entry video for Miss South Africa 2024.
She made it to the Top 14. pic.twitter.com/sV4qF4wOeq
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) July 16, 2024
Following the release of the introduction clip, Mzansi’s attention quickly shifted from her compelling presentation to a heated debate about her ethnicity and inclusion in the Miss SA 2024 competition.
Critics and supporters alike voiced their perspectives on her participation, stirring a robust discussion about representation in highly-esteemed pageants.
Take a look at these comments:
She is not South African and she must go compete in Nigeria 🤢🤮🤮🚮🚮
— Kwena Molekwa (@Miz_Ruraltarain) July 16, 2024
@GaytonMcK is this allowed my Minister?
— Skhanda Fam🇿🇦 (@VuyisileMavesta) July 16, 2024
She might have dual IDs, but that doesn’t make her South African. She’s still 100% Nigerian.
— P_MAX (@DDT_PM) July 17, 2024
Why is hard for an average South African to understand a child with Nigerian Fathrr and South African mother born in SA is a South African and they are lot of these joling daughters in SA.
“Don’t noise us”
— Mufudzi (@mufudzi_) July 16, 2024
This need a petition no ways we can have Nigerian🇳🇬 representing RSA 🇿🇦 we have millions South Africans everywhere in the country who can do better then her , let her represent her country
— 💕🇿🇦RSA (@_zwelakhe) July 16, 2024
Entry criteria for Miss SA
In the same breath, The Miss SA Organisation disclosed their entry criteria to IOL, specifying that contestants must hold a South African ID or passport. For those with dual citizenship, both documents are required.
“All documentation provided by the entrants is screened and vetted by the Miss South Africa Organisation,” the organisation affirmed.
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Picture: Instagram/@chichi_vanessa
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Compiled by Lauren Petersen
