By Sisanda Mgojo
In a new development after doubts about her citizenship were raised during a preliminary investigation by the South African Department of Home Affairs, former Miss South Africa finalist will now compete in a Nigerian beauty pageant.
Chidimma Adetshina, 23, withdrew from the South African beauty contest a probe revealed that her mother forged her identity fraud 23 years ago, forcing Adetshina to withdraw from the competition, which was eventually won by Mia le Roux.
Adetshina faced a public backlash, with critics questioning her representation of South Africans, particularly with her mother’s Mozambican heritage and father’s Nigerian background.
Subsequently, Adetshina was invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria beauty pageant amid the controversy.
In a statement, Guy Bruce-Murray, the president of the Silver Group and organiser of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, said: “This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage.”
Adetshina accepted the invitation and confirmed her participation in an Instagram video. She shared her excitement with her followers, saying: “I have received an invitation from the Silverbird Group, who are the organisers of the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, and I say this with great excitement because I have decided to accept the invitation. I have decided to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 beauty pageant. Thank you so much for this opportunity, and I look forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria,” she said.
