Miss South Africa Contender Chidinma Adetshina Accused of Citizenship Fraud

Chidinma Vanessa Adetshina, a contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant, is under intense scrutiny as the country’s Department of Home Affairs investigates her citizenship.

Chidinma, who has a Nigerian father, is at the centre of a controversy questioning her eligibility to compete.

Allegations of Citizenship Fraud

The investigation began after a wave of social media backlash. Users called for Adetshina’s disqualification, claiming she is not a real South African citizen.

In response, the Department of Home Affairs started an inquiry, following a formal request from the pageant organizers on August 5, 2024, to verify Adetshina’s citizenship. Both Adetshina and her mother gave written consent for the investigation.

Early findings suggest possible fraud and identity theft involving the person listed as Adetshina’s mother in Home Affairs records.

However, the Department clarified that Adetshina, a child in 2001 when the alleged fraud occurred, was not involved in these actions.

The investigation also found that a South African woman, whose identity might have been stolen, has faced serious problems, including being unable to register her child.

The Department is expanding the investigation to find and pursue any officials involved in the scheme and is seeking legal advice on what this means for Adetshina’s citizenship. Criminal charges are expected once the investigation is complete.

Official Statements

The Department of Home Affairs said, “There are reasons to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person listed as Chidinma Adetshina’s mother. We are committed to upholding the law and the rights of all parties involved.”

Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student from Cape Town, has faced heavy criticism since making it into the final Top 13 of this year’s Miss South Africa competition.

She is known for speaking out against violence towards women and children. However, scrutiny increased after it was revealed that her parents are from different countries, and neither is South African

The controversy around Adetshina has sparked wider discussions about xenophobia, Afrophobia, and discrimination within South Africa, showing deep tensions in the country.

As the Miss South Africa pageant prepares for its 66th edition on August 10, 2024, where the winner will go on to represent South Africa at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico, Adetshina’s eligibility remains under serious question.