Investigation into Miss SA Contestant's Nationality Amid Controversy

Amidst an uproar surrounding the nationality and eligibility of Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina, the Department of Home Affairs has launched a full-scale investigation. Concerns were raised when it was disclosed that Adetshina, who is 23 years old, may not meet the nationality requirements of the competition due to her parents' origins—her father being Nigerian and her mother Mozambican.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza, acknowledged the issue, stating that Home Affairs received a request to probe Adetshina's nationality after critics voiced that she may not adequately represent South African culture. The outcry underscores a greater conversation about cultural identity and representation in South Africa.

In response to the rising criticism and in defense of Adetshina's participation, Nzuza clarified the legal stance: for an individual to be recognized as South African, they must be born of South African parentage or at least have one South African parent.

Nzuza emphasized that this was not a matter of public debate and hence, private information about an individual's nationality should be respected. He argued that investigating every individual's nationality on a frequent basis would strain the country's resources unnecessarily.

The Deputy Minister, addressing the media during the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) members' briefing, pointed out that the ANC NEC Lekgotla's main focus included critical issues like crime, gender-based violence (GBV), immigration, local government, and water challenges.

In addition to the government's efforts, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) also announced an independent inquiry into Adetshina's cultural affiliations and whether she qualifies to be a South African ambassador.

This development comes at a time when national identity and representation have become sensitive matters. While some stand against Adetshina's participation, many voices in the community have risen in support of her, arguing that her birth in South Africa and her upbringing should be grounds enough for her to compete in the Miss South Africa pageant.

As the investigation proceeds, Home Affairs has committed to announcing its findings on Adetshina's nationality, ensuring transparency and clarity on this controversial matter.