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After Miss South Africa finishes all eyes on Chidimma Adetshina’s invitation to Miss Universe

JOHNBy No Comments4 Mins Read

After Miss South Africa finishes all eyes on Chidimma Adetshina’s invitation to Miss Universe

Recently, beauty pageant enthusiasts have been buzzing with excitement and controversy after Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a former contestant in the Miss South Africa (Miss SA) pageant, received an invitation to participate in the upcoming Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. This development has stirred a significant debate, particularly due to Adetshina’s complicated citizenship status and the implications it holds for both her and those who have diligently earned their places in pageantry.

The Citizenship Controversy

At the heart of this issue lies Adetshina’s citizenship saga, which has become a point of contention following her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition. At the age of 23, Adetshina found herself in the spotlight not solely for her beauty and poise but for the controversy surrounding her eligibility to represent South Africa. Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent, her citizenship status was scrutinized after allegations surfaced that her mother may have committed identity fraud to obtain South African citizenship in 2001.

This inquiry into her citizenship sparked heated discussions among the public. Critics highlighted that while Adetshina was indeed born on South African soil, her maternal heritage could render her ineligible to represent South Africa. The backlash saw her withdrawing from the competition, a move she deemed necessary amidst the uproar. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs promptly launched an investigation into the validity of her citizenship, leaving many to question her identity and true representation of the nation.

The Invitation to Miss Universe Nigeria

Just days after her withdrawal, a surprising twist emerged when the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant extended an invitation for her to participate. Guy Murray-Bruce, the national director of the event, expressed understanding of her plight, extending an opportunity that acknowledges her Nigerian lineage. The statement read, “As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe Nigerian 2024 pageant. This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender.”

This invitation has undoubtedly ignited discussions about the concept of citizenship, identity, and representation in beauty pageants. For many, it raises questions about fairness and eligibility—especially regarding those who have fought hard through rigorous competitions to secure their places.

Reactions and Backlash
While some fans applaud this opportunity for Adetshina, others criticize it as unfair to candidates who may have faced similar challenges but remained committed to their local pageants. Many argue that it sets a concerning precedent where one’s heritage and background can lead to unexpected invitations rather than following the traditional route of rigorous competition.

This sentiment was echoed further on social media, where controversy continued to brew. South Africans quickly rallied in response to Adetshina’s new opportunity and the subsequent crowning of Mia le Roux as Miss South Africa 2024. Prominent figures like Nigerian superstar Burna Boy added to the conversation, sharing memes and reactions on social platforms, which illustrated his amusement at the unfolding drama.

Interestingly, South African netizens took to X (formerly Twitter) to mock the perceived lack of competitiveness among Miss Universe Nigeria contestants. Some users boisterously claimed that Adetshina, should she choose to participate, would have a clear advantage, while others joked that South African personalities—particularly media figure Lasizwe—would easily surpass their Nigerian counterparts.

@Abraham_Hamabra: Lasizwe alone can Smoke these Nigerian Huns and take Miss Universe Nigeria. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

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