Chidimma Adetshina, the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria and renowned beauty queen, is at risk of losing her South African citizenship and travel documents amid a significant nationality dispute.
The Department of Home Affairs, South Africa made this announcement on Tuesday, October 29 following an investigation into her citizenship status which showed she had Mozambican and Nigerian roots and possibility of an identity theft by her mom.
The investigation was intensified following her podium appearance at the Miss South Africa pageant, which sparked criticism regarding her eligibility because of her dual citizenship.
Scrutiny heightened after claims that Adetshina’s mother might have engaged in ‘identity theft’ to acquire South African nationality, a situation that ultimately prompted Adetshina to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition in August.
After her departure, the law student accepted an invitation to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria, a choice that sparked a wave of xenophobic backlash online.
Adetshina later stated that she would require therapy to heal from the harsh criticism she faced.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs informed a parliamentary committee that Adetshina and her mother would be losing their documents because they did not meet the deadline to substantiate their citizenship claims.
Tommy Makhode, a senior official in the department, announced that their case has been handed over to the Hawks, a police unit in South Africa, that deals with serious crimes, who determined it was a ‘case of fraud.’
He mentioned that any further action will depend on the decisions made by prosecutors.
In the midst of the criticism, Adetshina continues to embrace her dual identity.
Saying that she feels ‘proudly South African’ and ‘proudly Nigerian.’
Adetshina, originally from Soweto, South Africa, has recently traveled to Mexico, where she will represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe competition on Saturday November 16 where she will be compete against contestants from around the world, including Mia le Roux, the current Miss South Africa.
Reports indicate that the ongoing controversy highlights wider issues related to identity, nationality and xenophobia in South Africa.
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