Johannesburg, August 6, 2024 -
Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student and model, has found herself at the center of a controversy in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant due to her Nigerian heritage. Born in Soweto and currently residing in Cape Town, Adetshina's mother is South African, while her father is Nigerian.
Adetshina, who was announced on July 1 as one of the 13 finalists competing to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant, has been subjected to a barrage of online abuse questioning her eligibility. Critics have raised doubts about her nationality, with some going so far as to circulate a petition calling for her removal from the competition.
The attacks have taken a significant emotional toll on Adetshina.
"At first I ignored it, but as I progressed in the competition, the criticism started growing. I thought to myself, I am representing a country, but I don’t feel the love from the people I’m representing. I even asked myself, is it worth it?" Adetshina shared in an interview with Sowetan Live.
Adetshina believes that the backlash is rooted in racial prejudice and internalized discrimination. "To be honest, I just feel that all of this is Black-on-Black hate as I’m not the only one in this competition who has a surname that’s not South African," she remarked.
Despite the negativity, Adetshina remains determined to continue in the competition, drawing strength from her heritage and her belief in the principles of inclusivity and representation.
"I am proud of who I am and where I come from. My background does not make me any less South African. I hope to inspire others who face similar challenges to stand firm in their identity and pursue their dreams."
The Miss South Africa organization has yet to release an official statement regarding the controversy. However, the situation has sparked a broader conversation about nationality, identity, and racism within South Africa.
As the competition moves forward, many are watching closely to see how the organization and the public respond to this incident, which highlights ongoing issues of xenophobia and racism in South Africa. Adetshina’s journey in the pageant continues to be a symbol of resilience and the fight for a more inclusive society.
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