Miss South Africa Pageant: Chidimma Adetshina Withdraws Amid Controversy Over Nationality”

 

The embattled Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adetshina, who was the focus of an investigation into her nationality, has withdrawn from the pageant.

 

Chidimma, who has Nigerian (father) and Mozambican (mother) heritage, was born in Soweto, South Africa.

 

On Wednesday, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) alleged that preliminary evidence suggests Adetshina’s mother might have committed fraud and identity theft.

 

However, the DHA clarified that Chidimma, a minor at the time of the alleged actions in 2001, was not implicated in the fraudulent activities.

 

In a statement posted on her Instagram page on Thursday, Chidimma announced her withdrawal from the competition for the “safety of my family and I.”

 

“I would like to start off by thanking everyone beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I’ve been shown,” she wrote.

 

“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 wellbeing of my family and I.”

 

“With the support of the Miss South Africa organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.

 

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever represents us wears the crown for all.”

 

Chidimma was set to be one of the 10 women participating in the Miss South Africa grand finale on August 10, 2024, in Pretoria. The winner will go on to represent South Africa at this year’s Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.