Chidimma Vannesa Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has shared her emotional experience in South Africa, where she was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa pageant due to controversy surrounding her nationality.
Adetshina revealed that she was rejected by South Africans because of her name, which they felt was not “South African enough.” She described the experience as “horrible” and “heartbreaking,” especially since she had lived in South Africa for 23 years.
When asked about the allegations of identity theft leveled against her mother by the South Africa Home Affairs, Adetshina declined to comment, citing that it was a legal matter.
Despite the challenges she faced, Adetshina remains proud of her Nigerian and South African heritage. “What I do know is that I was born in South Africa, and I am still South African, and I am still proudly Nigerian,” she said.
Adetshina’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with multiple nationalities and identities. Her story highlights the importance of acceptance and inclusivity, especially in the beauty pageant industry.
