Miss SA contestant grapples with xenophobic attacks on social media

Chidimma Adetshina. Picture: Instagram.

Chidimma Adetshina. Picture: Instagram.

Published Jul 22, 2024

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Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina continues to face xenophobic cyber attacks despite being born in South Africa.

The 23-year-old from Pimville, Soweto, found herself in the eye of the storm when people discovered that her father is a Nigerian.

Many have raised their concerns on social media, saying Adetshina does not deserve to participate in the Miss SA competition.

They argued that since her father was Nigerian, she should enter as Miss Nigeria, despite being born and raised in South Africa.

But others defended Adetshina saying just her because her father was Nigerian, it didn’t mean that she was not South African.

@ShottaZee commented: “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!” commented.

In one of her interviews, Adetshina explained that she was South African and defended her participation in 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,” she said.

Interestingly, there was none of this outrage when she entered the competition last year. The only difference is that she stands a great chance of winning this year, hence the negativity towards her.

Her supporters showed her love and urged Adetshina not to listen to the noise but focus on the crown.

“ 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 n there's no one can take that away,” commented @a_world_of_1.

Like many competitions, participation in the Miss SA contest is open to all South African citizens, even if their parents are from other countries.