Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant, has withdrawn from the competition following a month-long investigation into her nationality.
Adetshina, a 23-year-old born in Soweto, South Africa, has faced scrutiny over her eligibility due to her Nigerian and Mozambican heritage.
According to reports, the controversy surrounding her participation in the beauty pageant intensified after the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for South Africa began probing claims that her mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.
The Daily Patriot newspaper reported earlier that the DHA’s preliminary findings suggest that Adetshina’s mother was involved in fraudulent activities related to identity documents.
However, the department clarified that Chidimma, who was a minor at the time of the alleged incidents in 2001, was not implicated in any wrongdoing.
In a statement posted on her Instagram page on Thursday, Adetshina announced her decision to withdraw from the pageant, citing concerns for her family’s safety. “For the safety of my family and I, I have decided to pull out of the competition,” she wrote.
“I would like to start off by thanking everyone beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I’ve been shown,” she wrote.
“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 wellbeing of my family and I.
“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 the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever represents us wears the crown for all.”