Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina is enduring xenophobic attacks online despite being born and raised in South Africa.
The 23-year-old from Pimville, Soweto, has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that her father is Nigerian.
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Critics on social media have argued that Adetshina should not be participating in the Miss SA competition because of her father’s nationality, suggesting she should represent Nigeria instead.
However, others have defended her, arguing that her South African citizenship and upbringing should qualify her to compete as Miss South Africa.
One commenter, @ShottaZee, criticised the hypocrisy of defending foreign athletes while attacking Adetshina for her heritage: ‘Only South Africans would spend a day defending black French footballers’ right to play for France, then wake up the next day to attack a Miss SA finalist for same. You can’t be calling boEnzo racists then wanna [want to] change rules when it hits home. Pick a f***** side!’
In her interviews, Adetshina has affirmed her South African identity and her eligibility for the Miss SA competition: ‘I am a South African citizen and have met all the requirements to be a part of the Miss SA competition. The fact that my father is Nigerian does not take away from the fact that I am South African. My mother is South African, and I was born and raised in this country.’
Interestingly, this controversy did not arise when she competed last year. It seems that her increased chances of winning this year have sparked more negativity.
Adetshina’s supporters have rallied around her, encouraging her to focus on the competition despite the criticism: ‘I know you must be going through a lot right now and I’m so sorry but please know that some South Africans, like myself, are on your side. Even if the negative noise is louder, just remember you are South African, your ID confirms that, and there’s no one who can take that away,’ commented @a_world_of_1.
Participation in the Miss SA contest is open to all South African citizens, regardless of their parents’ nationalities.
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Picture: Chidimma Adetshina / Instagram