Chidimma Adetshina’s dream of wearing the Miss South Africa crown has been brutally shattered, not by her competitors, but by the dark cloud of xenophobia that hovers over South Africa.This young woman’s journey to the throne has been prematurely cut short, thanks to the unrelenting hate dished out by a nation that seems to forget its own troubled history.
Why It Matters
The moment Chidimma, who is of Nigerian descent, stepped onto the stage, the knives came out. South Africans, always quick to show their hate for Nigerians, couldn’t resist the opportunity to tear her down. Remember the word “xenophobia”? It’s not just a concept; it is a reality in South Africa, a country infamous for its violent rejection of non-South African residents.
Early in the competition, many South Africans wasted no time declaring that Chidimma was not qualified to contest because, according to them, she wasn’t truly South African. Thousands even signed a petition, to force her out of the competition.
As if that wasn’t enough, the South African Home Affairs Department decided to jump on the bandwagon, launching an investigation into her citizenship. In a country where real criminals roam free, they found it more pressing to scrutinize a young woman trying to make something of herself. Their so-called evidence? Allegations that her mother committed identity theft. It’s laughable and petty, really, how far they’ll go to keep a Nigerian out.
What They Are saying
In the face of all this, Chidimma finally broke her silence. On Thursday, August 8, 2024, she took to Instagram to announce her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition. In her heartfelt message, she expressed the pain behind her decision, emphasizing that it was made to protect the safety and well-being of herself and her family.
“I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown.
Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and me.
With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience
I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all of the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”
Bottom Line
Another victory for xenophobia, another crown denied. Chidimma, you’ve done well, Queen. As for those who couldn’t stand to see a Nigerian succeed, they can finally rest.
