Miss SA Controversy: South Africa accuses Adetshina’s mother of identity theft
The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has released preliminary findings regarding the nationality of beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina. The 23-year-old model, of Nigerian heritage, has recently faced scrutiny over her eligibility to compete in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant.
The controversy began to intensify in July after Chidimma advanced to the round of 16 in the competition. Social media discussions about her citizenship raised concerns about her qualifications for the pageant.
Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, announced on Monday that the department initiated an investigation following official requests from the Miss SA organizers to verify Adetshina’s citizenship status.
In a statement and video released late Wednesday, the DHA revealed allegations that Adetshina’s mother may have been involved in fraud and identity theft.
“Based on our preliminary findings, there are prima facie grounds to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the individual recorded in our records as Chidimma Adetshina’s mother,” Schreiber said. “It is important to note that Chidimma Adetshina herself could not have been involved in her mother’s alleged unlawful activities, as she was an infant in 2021 when these actions reportedly occurred. An innocent South African mother, whose identity might have been stolen as part of this fraud, has suffered as she was unable to register her own child due to these actions.”
The investigation continues, and further details will be provided as they become available.
