Chidimma Adetshina, a Miss South Africa 2024 finalist, has become a focal point of controversy following xenophobic attacks and misconceptions about her citizenship status. Recently, she has been trending on social media due to her Nigerian heritage and an outcry over her eligibility in the competition.
The 23-year-old Adetshina, who proudly represents South Africa, has had to defend her identity and background. Born in 2001, Adetshina is the daughter of a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent. Despite her deep roots in the country, her background has sparked heated debates online.
Adding fuel to the fire, a viral video surfaced, featuring a Nigerian man who many believed was Adetshina’s father. In the video, the man spoke about his experiences in South Africa, which led to a flurry of speculation and false claims about Adetshina’s lineage. The man, who was interviewed on the Ben Stesh podcast show, shared that he first came to South Africa in 2010 for the FIFA World Cup. He described his life with his South African wife and their children, who hold dual citizenship.
Social media quickly jumped to conclusions, linking the man’s story to Adetshina. The timing, however, did not add up, as Adetshina would have been nine years old when the man first visited South Africa, long after her birth.
In the video, the man emphasized his Nigerian roots and his family’s South African connections, stating, “I am Nigerian and my wife is South African, and I have lived in South Africa as well. I spent 10 years in South Africa.” He clarified that his children are South African citizens through their mother, leading to even more confusion among netizens.
As speculation grew, Adetshina took to Instagram to address the false claims head-on. “The individual in question claiming and impersonating to be my dad is NOT MY FATHER,” she wrote in her Instagram stories, putting an end to the rumors. She concluded her post with a simple but powerful “Thank you.”
Adetshina’s grace under pressure and her clear stance against misinformation highlight her strength as a contestant and a person. Despite the xenophobic backlash, she continues to shine in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition, standing tall as a beacon of resilience and authenticity.
As the competition progresses, Adetshina’s journey will undoubtedly inspire many, showcasing the importance of truth and the strength to confront and overcome adversity.
So Chidimma Adetshina father had an interview. Honestly, I'm more interested in than before.
Chidimma father says he came to South Africa in 2010 on a "tourist visa" got married…. somehow, Chidimma, aka chichi, is 23 years, meaning she was born in 2001.
How is chichi 23… pic.twitter.com/jNsfsbYURF
— Kwena Molekwa (@Miz_Ruraltarain) August 1, 2024
