In a dramatic twist leading up to the Miss South Africa 2024 finale, a petition calling for the removal of judge Lerato Kganyago has sparked a heated debate. According to TshisaLIVE, the petition, which has accumulated just over 2,000 votes within four days of its launch, was ignited by Kganyago’s defence of contestant Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina. Adetshina, despite being born in South Africa, has faced criticism for allegedly not embodying South African culture due to her mixed heritage, with a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother.
The controversy began when social media erupted with debates about Adetshina’s suitability to represent South Africa. Critics argued that she embraces her Nigerian roots more prominently than her South African identity, sparking a divisive dialogue on what it means to be “South African enough.”
Stepping into the fray, Lerato Kganyago, a renowned radio and TV personality, defended Adetshina, asserting that the Miss SA organization had thoroughly vetted her eligibility. “South Africans have found it easy to attack black women because we are seen as weaker,” Kganyago stated passionately. “Proper research was done, and documentation was completed. My opinion is based on facts. A factual investigation has been conducted.”
Despite Kganyago’s strong defence, her remarks led to the creation of the petition, which accuses her of compromising the competition’s fairness and integrity. The petition’s authors argue that Kganyago’s stance undermines the principles of impartiality essential to the Miss SA contest. By Tuesday morning, it had gathered 2,399 signatures.
“Competitions like Miss SA play a crucial role in celebrating the diversity and talent of our young women. Therefore, maintaining their integrity is of supreme importance,” the petition reads. “We call on the management of the Miss SA contest to review the situation and ensure the contest is free from any form of bias.”
Supporters of Adetshina have rallied around her, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation in national platforms. They argue that Adetshina’s diverse heritage is a testament to the multifaceted nature of South African identity.
As the countdown to the Miss South Africa 2024 finale on August 10 continues, the petition has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the event. Will the management of Miss SA heed the petition’s call and remove Kganyago from the judging panel? Or will the competition proceed with Kganyago standing firm in her convictions? The answer awaits as the nation tunes in for what promises to be a memorable and possibly contentious crowning moment.
