A finalist in the upcoming Miss South Africa pageant, Chidimma Adetshina, has formally withdrew from the contest.
The beauty pageant community was shocked to learn of this choice on Thursday, following a rumored statement by Adetshina on social media.
Since information regarding Adetshina’s mixed ancestry came to light, there has been controversy surrounding her participation in the esteemed tournament.
Her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother have caused a great deal of controversy regarding her eligibility to represent South Africa, even though she was born and reared there.
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When the Department of Home Affairs made public their finding of possible fraud and identity theft cases that purportedly involved Adetshina’s mother, the situation became even more tense.
Investigations into Adetshina’s citizenship status led to the discovery of this information, which cast doubt on her history and eligibility for the contest.
Adetshina’s surprise departure has left fans and organizers reeling, since the much awaited 2024 Miss South Africa pageant is set to take place on Saturday only a day before.
Her absence has created a hole that could change the competition’s dynamics and raise more general questions about how applicants will be screened in the future.
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