Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, is facing criticism after making it to the top 13 in the Miss South Africa pageant. Some South Africans are challenging her right to compete due to her Nigerian heritage. Despite being born in South Africa and raised in Soweto, where her South African mother resides, the backlash has focused on her Nigerian father.

Social media has seen a surge of negative comments questioning why Chidimma is allowed to participate in the pageant. Critics argue that her Nigerian background disqualifies her from representing South Africa.

In response, the Miss South Africa organization has affirmed that Chidimma meets all the eligibility requirements for the competition. They clarified that Chidimma is indeed a South African citizen, and her documents were thoroughly vetted before her entry was approved.

The pageant’s rules state that contestants must be South African citizens with valid identification. This includes those with dual citizenship, provided all relevant documents are submitted. According to the South African Citizenship Act, citizenship can be acquired through birth, descent, or naturalization. Since Chidimma was born in South Africa to a South African mother, her citizenship is valid.

Amidst the xenophobic remarks, the Miss South Africa organization stands by Chidimma, emphasizing that her participation is fully in line with their rules and regulations.