Chidinma faced an eventful few months as she made it to the top 16 in the SA beauty pageant.
Once upon a time, in a country where allegations of xenophobia are rife, a girl was born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother at the Chris Hani Baragwanas Academic Hospital in Soweto. what is her name? Chidinma Vanessa Adesina.
Adesina, who dreamed of becoming the face of her country of birth, had no idea that her Nigerian father and her mother's alleged pranks would stand in the way of her becoming Miss SA.
Despite triumphing in the face of adversity, Chidinma faced a turbulent few months before reaching the top 16 in the SA beauty pageant and then finishing runner-up at the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.
quest for the crown
It all started with Miss SA battling claims that it was ignoring South Africans by including non-South African contestants in the top 30.
“Our national identity as South Africans is under threat. From China, Eastern Europeans, Zimbabweans and Nigerians! #BoycottMissSA,” the tweet read.
The organization announced this in May. The Citizen All Miss South Africa Top 30 contestants meet the eligibility requirements.
“Miss South Africa 2024 eligibility requirements state that applicants must be South African citizens and possess a valid South African identity document or passport.
“If an applicant holds dual citizenship, details of both must be provided. All of the Miss South Africa Top 30 contestants met these requirements,” the organization added. .
ALSO READ: “Thank you for coming”: Chidima Adesina appointed as Nigeria’s ambassador
Your name remains on everyone's lips
Although Chidinma placed in the top 15 of the contest, many felt that she did not represent the contest. One of the reasons for their distrust was that her TikTok profile had the flags of Nigeria and Mozambique instead of the South African flag.
Citizens have rallied together and launched an online petition calling for Adesina's removal from the competition.
The petition claimed her heritage was foreign and questioned her right to represent South African culture.
After hitting the headlines several times, Chidinma's name started appearing on the political radar.
When the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, returned from the Paris Olympics, he took it upon himself to investigate the case of the Nigerian woman who made it into the top 11, in response to public calls for action to be taken.
“I've just returned from Paris so I'll gather more information. We can't let a Nigerian compete in the Miss SA pageant. I'd like to know all the facts before I comment, but there's already a strange vibe in the air,” McKenzie said. said at the time.
His comments received both support and criticism, with some claiming he focused on trivial matters.
Also read: Chidinma Adesina’s “sacrifice” loses SA slot at Mexican Literature Festival
Please take your hands off Chidinma.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema defended Adesina.
“Your citizenship is determined by where you were born, so if she was born here, she is South African.
“It doesn't matter. She is not her parents. She is herself. So why would she say she is from Nigeria or Mozambique? She was born here,” Malema said on the party's podcast. Ta.
“You can't punish people based on where their parents are from. I haven't closely watched the debates, but I think Ms. SA did the necessary due diligence and decided she was the right candidate. I think so.
“These are problems caused by people who spread hatred among Africans. Such people should not be supported.”
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) labeled the investigation into her citizenship “xenophobic bullying”.
Saftu deputy general secretary Nontembeko Luzipo said Mr McKenzie's “funny tone” comments were irresponsible and appalling because “rather than emboldening Chidinma, they strengthened the bullies”.
“Unfortunately, the Minister questioned the legitimacy of Chidinma's citizenship and eligibility to compete, stepped up the online trolls' abuse against the Miss South Africa finalists, and became complicit in the bullying of Chidinma.
“Her participation in the contest is an affirmation of her South African identity, because the non-negotiable eligibility criterion is citizenship,” Luzipo said.
I'm not what you say I am
Chidinma's participation in the popularity contest was controversial and prompted an investigation by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The ministry said after launching an investigation into the citizenship of Adesina's mother, it found prima facie signs of fraud committed by her.
Interior Secretary Leon Shriver provided an update on the investigation. The investigation began after event organizers requested confirmation of Adesina's citizenship with the consent of Adesina and her mother.
Shriver said preliminary evidence suggests possible fraud or impersonation involving Adesina's mother, but Adesina herself was not involved due to her age at the time of the alleged 2001 activities. Ta.
The ministry subsequently issued Administrative Justice Promotion Act letters to Adesina and her mother.
Minister Duwayne Esau's spokesperson confirmed that the matter had been taken up by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
He said the issuance of the letter was a step taken before recovering the allegedly fraudulent identity documents and passports.
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ActionSA questioned how Adesina's mother was able to travel to Nigeria despite being under investigation.
“Given the nature of the investigation to evade immigration, it is natural to expect that travel, particularly to Nigeria, will be restricted.”
Esau dismissed the idea, saying: “The owners of these documents can use them until they are withdrawn by the authorities.”
The Hawks said its investigation into Mr Adesina's nationality is at an “early stage” and has not yet focused on a specific person.
“We cannot confirm an investigation against a person until the person is brought before the court.Currently, we are investigating a corruption case brought by the Ministry of Interior.
“We cannot confirm how long the investigation will take or when it will be completed. It is still in its early stages,” Hawks spokesperson Brig Thandi Mbambo said.
Chidinma steps aside.
Perhaps influenced by the investigation, Chidinma issued a retraction statement the day after the Home Office announced its findings.
She claimed the decision was made amid safety concerns.
“Participating in the Miss SA 2024 pageant has been an amazing journey, but after careful consideration I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition for the safety and well-being of myself and my family.
“With the support of the Miss SA organization, I leave with a deep sense of gratitude for this wonderful experience,” she said, wishing the remaining contestants well.
Also read: Chidima Adesina withdraws from Miss SA pageant
nigerian princess
By declining the pageant, she earned an invitation from her father's estate.
Silverbird Productions, the organizers of Miss Universe Nigeria, offered support to Chidinma and acknowledged the difficulties she is facing. They invited her to highlight her talent and heritage in a contest.
In her acceptance video, Adesina expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
Whether she participates or not, Chidinma's acceptance of the invitation puts her on the trending list.
While some supported her decision, praised her resilience and wished her well, others labeled her selfish and attention-seeking.
Adesina put aside the hate to win the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and was appointed ambassador to the West African nation's Enugu state.
“I can't express my gratitude enough for all the great things we've accomplished in my father's land,” Adesina said.
“I say it again…Nigeria, thank you for picking me up when I was on my knees,” Adesina said. “My story is powerful not only in Nigeria but globally. Many young people can relate to and learn from my journey,” she added.
Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State praised Adesina for his resilience over the past few months.
“Despite people trying to bring you down, you have shown the grit and resilience that is the hallmark of the people of Enugu State. You are a true daughter of Enugu,” he said.
on the world stage
Chidima and her mother's identity cards were later canceled by the Ministry of Home Affairs, but she continued to bounce back.
In the Miss Universe pageant, she came in first place behind 21-year-old Victoria Kjaer Teilvig.
She hailed the feat as “historic”.
She left behind her old life to travel the world with the Miss Universe organization.
She announced that she would no longer participate in any competitions and would leave South Africa permanently.
“I feel like I put my emotions aside to chase this dream, so I think now is the perfect time to actually start considering my health as well.
“I will have this opportunity to unite not just Nigeria and South Africa, but the whole of Africa,” she told the Guardian.
It's over…for now.
