Chidimma Adetshina, a South African model of Nigerian descent, has decided to withdraw from the Miss South Africa 2024 competition, citing concerns about potential xenophobic attacks against herself and her family.

This decision follows increasing controversy and scrutiny regarding her eligibility for the pageant.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Thursday afternoon, Adetshina, 23, cited safety concerns as the primary reason for her withdrawal. “I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition,” she wrote. “The journey has been amazing, but for the safety and wellbeing of my family and me, I must step back.”

The model’s qualifications have faced significant examination, particularly due to her Nigerian heritage. The situation escalated when South African Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber alleged that Adetshina’s mother, who is of Mozambican descent, committed identity theft. This claim emerged after an inquiry initiated by the organizers of the pageant.

“Reasons exist to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded in home affairs records as Chidimma’s mother,” Schreiber stated.

The withdrawal comes after several weeks marked by xenophobic violence and backlash directed at Adetshina, revealing the entrenched issues surrounding nationality and heritage in South Africa.

Born in South Africa in 2001, Adetshina is entitled to citizenship under post-1995 laws that grant this right to anyone born in the country.

Her departure from the competition highlights the difficulties faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds in dealing with nationalistic and xenophobic attitudes.

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