The Department of Home Affairs has released preliminary findings following an investigation into the citizenship status of Chidinma Adetshina, a contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant.
The inquiry was sparked by controversy on social media, where some individuals questioned Adetshina’s South African citizenship and urged the pageant organizers to disqualify her.
Chidinma Adetshina, whose father is Nigerian and mother has Mozambican roots, was born in South Africa. She is one of the ten finalists competing in the Miss South Africa pageant, which will take place in Pretoria this Saturday.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, on August 5, 2024, the pageant organizers requested the department to verify Adetshina’s citizenship. This request was supported by written consent from both Adetshina and her mother.
In their preliminary findings, the Department of Home Affairs reported the following:
- There is evidence suggesting potential fraud and identity theft involving Adetshina’s mother.
- Adetshina was a minor at the time of the alleged fraudulent activities in 2001 and was not involved in these actions.
- An innocent South African mother might have suffered due to the alleged fraud, impacting her ability to register her child.
- The department has expanded its investigation to identify and hold accountable any officials involved in the fraudulent scheme and is seeking legal advice on how this affects Adetshina’s citizenship status.
- Criminal charges are expected against those implicated once the investigation is complete.
The Department also noted ongoing discussions with stakeholders, including Adetshina’s mother, and emphasized that the case underscores the need for digitalization in applications and verification processes to combat fraud, similar to reforms in the South African Revenue Service in the late 2000s. The department also highlighted the importance of handling court orders regarding duplicate IDs with caution.
Throughout this process, the Department of Home Affairs remains committed to upholding the rule of law and the rights of all parties involved.
Chidinma Adetshina and her family have yet to comment on the latest findings.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy surrounding Chidinma Adetshina began after some individuals questioned her eligibility for the Miss South Africa pageant. Concerns about her nationality became a topic of discussion on social media after she advanced to the final 16 contestants.
Critics have called for her removal from the contest, arguing that she may not be a South African citizen.
The Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, the 66th edition, is scheduled for August 10, 2024, in Pretoria. According to the Miss South Africa website, contestants must be South African citizens with a valid South African passport. Those with dual citizenship are required to provide details of both.
Natasha Joubert, the 2023 Miss South Africa, will crown her successor, who will then represent South Africa at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico.
The latest developments from the Department of Home Affairs have left uncertainty regarding Chidinma Adetshina’s participation in the beauty contest.