Chidimma Adetshina Withdraws from Miss South Africa Pageant Due to Citizenship Legal Challenges

Chidimma Adetshina, one of the top 9 finalists in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition, has officially withdrawn from the pageant. This surprising decision comes in the wake of legal pressures and allegations that have recently surfaced.

The Patriotic Alliance initiated urgent legal action against Adetshina and the Miss South Africa organization, seeking to prevent her participation in the competition. The legal action followed findings by the Department of Home Affairs, which suggested that Adetshina's mother, who has Mozambican roots, may have committed fraud and identity theft to obtain South African citizenship.

The Department of Home Affairs has indicated that it is considering further legal action once its investigations are complete. Adetshina’s withdrawal came just hours after the Department of Home Affairs announced its prima facie evidence suggesting fraudulent activities related to her mother's citizenship. The situation was further intensified by the Patriotic Alliance's announcement on Thursday that it had taken urgent legal steps to interdict Adetshina from competing.

In response to these events, Miss South Africa issued a statement wishing the 23-year-old well in her future endeavors. "In light of recent events, 2024 Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition. We wish Chidimma all of the very best and success in all her endeavors," read the statement. The organization also reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating South Africa's rich and inclusive culture, emphasizing the spirit of Ubuntu-Botho.

Adetshina, who had faced weeks of cyberbullying, cited the safety and well-being of herself and her family as the primary reasons for her withdrawal. In a statement shared on social media, she expressed gratitude for her experience in the competition but noted that the decision to step back was necessary for her family's protection.

Miss South Africa concluded its brief statement by thanking its sponsors, partners, fans, and stakeholders for their continued support and wished the 2024 finalists the best of luck in the upcoming finale.

The glittering finale of Miss South Africa 2024, hosted by media personality Bonang Matheba, is set to take place at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Saturday.