Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant, has withdrawn from the competition for her and her family’s safety and well-being.
Her decision follows a preliminary investigation by the home affairs department revealing that her mother might have committed “identity theft” to obtain South African citizenship.
Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, clarified her mixed heritage, stating she was born in Soweto and raised in Cape Town, with her father Nigerian and her mother South African-Mozambican.
The controversy arose from social media scrutiny over her nationality, prompting the pageant organizers to request a government investigation.
The department has found evidence suggesting that an “innocent” South African’s identity might have been stolen by Adetshina’s mother, though Adetshina was too young to be involved in her mother’s actions.
The department is considering further legal action and seeking advice on how the alleged fraud impacts Adetshina’s citizenship. Despite the findings, Adetshina chose to withdraw, expressing gratitude for the support and wishing the best for her fellow contestants.
