Chidimma Adetshina, a finalist in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, has recently withdrawn from the competition amid allegations of citizenship fraud involving her mother. The controversy began when the South African Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation and found preliminary evidence suggesting that Adetshina’s mother may have committed identity theft to secure South African citizenship for her daughter back in 2001, when Chidimma was an infant.

Background: Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student and advocate against violence toward women and children, was a finalist in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant. She was born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent.

Recently, an investigation by the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) revealed that Chidimma’s mother might have committed identity theft and fraud in 2001 to secure South African citizenship for her daughter. This discovery raised questions about Chidimma's eligibility to participate in the Miss South Africa pageant​ (Leadership News)​ (The Citizen).

Due to the ongoing investigation and the legal implications, Chidimma Adetshina decided to withdraw from the competition. She announced her withdrawal on social media, citing the safety and well-being of her family as the primary reasons. In her statement, Chidimma thanked her supporters and expressed gratitude for the experience, wishing the remaining contestants well​ (Leadership News)​ (IOL | News that Connects South Africans).

The controversy has highlighted broader issues of xenophobia and Afrophobia in the country. The Miss South Africa pageant, set to conclude on August 10, 2024, will continue without her, with the winner representing South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant later this year​ (REPORT AFRIQUE).