The decision was made amid safety concerns, she said.
Chidimma Adesina has withdrawn from the Miss South Africa competition.
This was confirmed in a statement apparently posted by the finalists on social media on Thursday.
The decision was made amid safety concerns, she said.
“Participating in the Miss SA 2024 competition was a fantastic experience, however after careful consideration I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and myself.
“I leave with a huge sense of gratitude for this amazing experience, thanks to the support of the Miss SA organisation.”
She wished the finalists good luck and said: “Whoever is crowned will represent us all.”
Criminal liability
Her inclusion has sparked controversy after it was revealed that Adesina's father is Nigerian and her mother is Mozambican, despite being born and raised in South Africa.
The decision came a day after the Ministry of Interior said it had found superficial evidence that Adetosina's mother had committed fraud and identity theft, which it discovered after launching an investigation into her nationality.
Interior Minister Leon Schreiber said Adetosina was a toddler at the time of the 2001 incident and therefore could not be implicated in her mother's illegal activities.
“Innocent South African mothers whose identities may have been stolen as a result of the fraud allegedly perpetrated by Adetosha's mother have suffered as a result of not being able to register their children.”
“The Interior Ministry is expanding its investigation to identify and pursue officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme and is obtaining legal advice regarding the impact of the alleged fraud on Ms. Adetosina's nationality. Once the investigation is complete, the Interior Ministry intends to bring criminal charges against all parties involved,” Schreiber said.
Related article: Ministry of Interior finds evidence of fraud by Chidimma Adesina’s mother
Adetosha was due to compete in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant on Saturday.
trial
The Patriotic Union (PA) had earlier announced it would take urgent legal action to ban Adetosha from taking part in the contest.
Palestinian Authority Vice President Kenny Kunene said he expected results to be announced before Saturday's contest.
“We are scheduled to hear the matter on August 10, 2024 at 10 am. We will wait until 4 pm to confirm the allocation of the case with the senior judge.”
Related article: Palestinian Authority wants to block Chidimma Adezzina from competing in Miss South Africa pageant
“As the Patriotic Alliance we were vindicated. We were insulted and ridiculed. The South African Human Rights Commission also joined in this,” he said. [criticise] “We thank you and all the patriotic South Africans who spoke out against this injustice. We will not stop the legal process to stop this Nigerian from competing in Miss South Africa. Salute,” Kunene said in X's post.
