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Chidimma Adetshina: Rejected in South Africa, Crowned by the World

November 20, 2024

Chidimma Adetshina: Rejected in South Africa, Crowned by the World

The story of Chidimma Adetshina began when she was announced as a contestant for Miss Universe South Africa 2024.

Although she was born in Soweto and has been a permanent resident of South Africa for over five years, as required by eligibility rules, Chidimma faced scrutiny regarding her eligibility.

This was due to an investigation opened against her mother by the Department of Home Affairs and the fact that she was born to a Nigerian father. Chidimma experienced a sort of identity crisis.

She’s a Nigerian beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss Universe Nigeria 2024. She represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico and finished as the first runner-up. She was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania as the highest ranked African Contestant of 2024.

Early Life

Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina was born in Soweto to an Igbo Nigerian father, and a Mozambican mother. Her father is of Igbo descent while her mother is a Mozambican who is accused of allegedly committing identity fraud in South Africa. Adetshina grew up in Cape Town. As of 2024, she is a law student.

Pageantry Journey

Miss South Africa 2024

Chidimma Adetshina entered the Miss South Africa 2024 competition but withdrew following an investigation by the Department of Home Affairs into her mother’s citizenship.

The investigation allegedly uncovered preliminary evidence of fraud and identity theft in her mother’s acquisition of South African citizenship in 2001. Adetshina stepped back, citing safety and well-being concerns.

Her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant sparked a significant controversy. Questions arose about her dual citizenship and eligibility, prompting a formal investigation by the Department of Home Affairs.

`Public support for Adetshina surged as she became a symbol of South Africa’s diverse population. The Economic Freedom Fighters, a South African far-left political party, defended her and condemned xenophobia, while other parties called for further investigations.

Despite meeting all the requirements for the pageant, the controversy intensified when a video of Adetshina celebrating her progress with her Nigerian relatives went viral. In October 2024, the Department of Home Affairs revoked her South African identity papers, further complicating the situation.

The aftermath of the controversy extended beyond the pageant. The Puebla International Festival in Mexico withdrew invitations to South African panelists and guests, citing South Africa’s undermining of justice and equality principles.

Miss Universe Nigeria 2024

In the wake of the Miss South Africa withdrawal, Chidimma Adetshina received an invitation from Guy Murray-Bruce, the National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria. Representing Taraba State, she participated in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant on August 31, 2024, at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. Competing against 24 other contestants, Adetshina emerged victorious, earning the right to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024.

Miss Universe 2024

On November 16, 2024, Chidimma Adetshina represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City, competing against contestants from 126 countries. She achieved an extraordinary milestone, finishing as the first runner-up.

This marked the highest placement for Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant. Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig won the crown, while Mexico’s María Fernanda Beltrán secured the second runner-up position.

Miss Universe Africa and Oceania

As the highest-ranked African contestant of 2024, Chidimma Adetshina was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. Her achievement is a historic moment for Nigeria and Africa, as it is the most significant accomplishment by an African contestant since Agbani Darego’s top 10 placement in 2001.

Legacy and Impact

Chidimma Adetshina’s journey in pageantry exemplifies courage, resilience, and determination. Her ability to rise above controversies, discrimination, and xenophobia serves as an inspiration to many.

From her initial challenges in South Africa to her historic achievements on the global stage, Chidimma’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief.

Her advocacy and journey emphasize the importance of embracing one’s identity and navigating adversity with grace.

Chidimma’s story is a beacon of hope, reminding individuals to seek new opportunities and spaces where their potential can shine. For anyone facing rejection or challenges, her journey illustrates that glory often emerges from trials and setbacks.

Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina’s legacy as a Nigerian beauty queen and her groundbreaking accomplishments at Miss Universe 2024 will inspire future generations of African girls to dream big and pursue their aspirations with tenacity.

5 Things Chidimma Adetshina Teaches Us About Adversity

1. Facing criticism with grace

Chidimma found herself at the centre of xenophobic backlash in South Africa after allegations surfaced regarding her citizenship status. Despite the hostility, she maintained a composed demeanour, choosing to prioritise her family’s safety over personal ambition. Her actions remind us that in moments of public scrutiny, grace and calm can often be the best response.

2. Power of accountability

Though the citizenship controversy stemmed from systemic issues and her mother’s alleged actions, Chidimma took responsibility for her participation by voluntarily withdrawing from the Miss South Africa competition. This decision underscores the importance of acknowledging the bigger picture and stepping back when personal involvement could escalate tensions.

3. Turning setbacks into advocacy

Chidimma’s situation highlighted systemic challenges in South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, sparking discussions on immigration fraud and xenophobia. While she faced personal losses, her story became a catalyst for addressing broader issues. It’s a reminder that even personal setbacks can inspire societal change.

4. Resilience in the face of hate

The xenophobic attacks Chidimma endured were emotionally taxing, yet she remained focused on her core values. Her ability to navigate such a hostile environment speaks to the power of resilience. For anyone facing adversity, her journey is a testament to holding onto inner strength despite external negativity.

5. Knowing when to walk away

Withdrawing from Miss South Africa wasn’t an easy decision for Chidimma, but it was a strategic one to safeguard her peace and family. Sometimes, stepping away from a fight is not an admission of defeat but a deliberate choice to prioritise what matters most. Her story teaches us the value of choosing our battles wisely.

Chidimma Adetshina’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and self-awareness. Her ability to turn a difficult situation into a moment of reflection and advocacy offers a roadmap for anyone grappling with adversity. Her grass-to-grass story in pageantry is truly inspirational to all who hear it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chidimma Adetshina have a child?

Adetshina is recently divorced and is a mother to a one-year-old baby boy. She said that her life in the past year has been nothing but a reflection of who she is as a person. “I got divorced in February. We were not compatible because he had this ideology of what an African married woman is.

Did Chidimma win Miss Universe Nigeria?

Nigerians are celebrating the success of Chidimma Adetshina at the Miss Universe contest in Mexico Saturday. Adetshina fell just short of the title, being named first runner up, but was still crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.

Has South Africa won Miss Universe?

The first of the twenty-first century and the second South African is Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (2017). As the first black South African Miss Universe to don the Mouawad crown, Zozibini Tunzi won the crown in 2019 and made history.