In an exclusive interview with Sowetan S Mag, Miss SA top 13 finalist Chidimma Adetshina opened up about her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision for unity. Born at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent, Adetshina was raised in Soweto, an upbringing she cherishes for its rich blend of cultures.
Adetshina’s parents met in Johannesburg in the late ’90s, eventually settling in Pimville before moving to Cape Town, where she now resides. The 23-year-old law student and Western Province netball player credits her multinational heritage for giving her a unique perspective and a deep sense of pride as a South African. “Being raised in a multi-national home gave me an all-round view of the different cultures in the diaspora,” she told Sowetan S Mag.
Excited to enter Miss SA, Adetshina didn’t anticipate the backlash she would face. “Once I got to the top 16, that’s when I felt it. People on X [formerly known as Twitter] were asking why I’m competing because I’m not South African,” she said. Despite the criticism, Adetshina remains steadfast in her commitment to represent her country with pride.
The road has not been easy. Social media criticism was particularly harsh, but Adetshina, accustomed to facing challenges as an athlete, found it to be a different kind of struggle. “I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t know what to say or not to say because this is such a sensitive topic,” she admitted. However, she sees this as an opportunity to educate people about her heritage and the broader issue of identity.
Reflecting on the backlash, Adetshina believes it stemmed from a misunderstanding. “If I could change the hands of time, I’d redo my entry video where I’d explain with clarity who I truly am,” she said. She emphasised that her family roots run deep in South Africa, with her mother’s family still residing in Soweto.
Adetshina also pointed out the racial undertones in some of the criticism. “I just feel like the attention is on me because of my skin colour which I think is a disadvantage… it’s also been something I had to overcome growing up,” she explained. Despite this, she remains determined to take home the Miss SA title, using her platform to promote unity and understanding.
Adetshina’s journey to the top 13 is especially poignant as she returns after not making it to the final stage last year. “To me, being a finalist is as if I’m rewriting my mother’s dream of becoming a model,” she shared. Her mother’s unfulfilled modeling aspirations drive her passion and determination.
In addition to her pageant journey, Adetshina has faced personal challenges, including a recent divorce and becoming a mother to a one-year-old son. “My marriage robbed me of enjoying the beauty of pregnancy and being a wife, but overall it brings me joy that I get to take new steps with my son,” she said.
Adetshina’s resilience and determination shine through as she navigates these challenges. “At the beginning of the year, I was so depressed and worried about how life was going to turn out for me, but getting this far in the competition made me believe there was more in store for me,” she said.
As the Miss SA pageant approaches, Adetshina’s story is a powerful testament to overcoming adversity and using one’s platform to inspire and educate. South Africans will be watching closely as she strives to become the next Miss SA, embodying the unity and strength she passionately advocates for.
