2024 Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, is on the brink of losing her South African citizenship amidst growing scrutiny over her nationality.
The Department of Home Affairs has initiated an investigation into her status after she faced backlash regarding her eligibility in the Miss South Africa pageant due to her Nigerian and Mozambican heritage.
The controversy escalated after allegations emerged suggesting that Adetshina’s mother may have engaged in “identity theft” to secure South African nationality.
This led to Adetshina withdrawing from the Miss South Africa competition in August. In response to the criticism, she later expressed to the BBC that the vitriol she faced had left her in need of therapy.
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As of Tuesday, the Department of Home Affairs announced to a parliamentary committee that both Adetshina and her mother would have their citizenship documents revoked after failing to meet a deadline to clarify their citizenship claims.
Senior official Tommy Makhode stated that their case has been referred to the Hawks, a specialized police unit, which has deemed it a “case of fraud.”
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Despite the turmoil, Adetshina has articulated a strong sense of dual identity, claiming, “I am proudly South African and proudly Nigerian.”
Born in Soweto, she is currently in Mexico preparing to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition on November 16, where she will compete against international contestants, including the reigning Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux.
