In a dramatic turn of events, Chidimma Adetshina has withdrawn from the Miss South Africa 2024 competition just days before the highly anticipated pageant. The shocking decision follows revelations by the Department of Home Affairs that her mother committed identity fraud to obtain South African citizenship.
The controversy began when public concerns were raised about Chidimma’s eligibility to compete. In response, the Miss South Africa Organisation requested the Department of Home Affairs to verify her citizenship. On August 5, with written consent from both Chidimma and her mother, an investigation was launched.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed the findings in a media statement, revealing that the alleged fraudulent activities occurred in 2001 when Chidimma was just an infant. “Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother, as she was an infant at the time,” Schreiber stated. The investigation also uncovered that an innocent South African mother was unable to register her child due to the stolen identity.
The inquiry is ongoing, with efforts being made to identify any officials involved in the fraud. Legal advice is being sought on the implications of this fraud on Chidimma’s citizenship status, and the department plans to press criminal charges against all parties involved once the investigation concludes.
In the wake of these revelations, Chidimma released a statement announcing her withdrawal from the competition. “I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown,” she expressed.
She continued, “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.”
Chidimma concluded her statement with well-wishes for her fellow contestants: “I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”
