Miss South Africa 2024 contestant Chidimma Adetshina has withdrawn from the pageant as investigations into her nationality intensify.
Adetshina announced her decision on Thursday in a statement published on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the support she has received throughout her journey.
“I would like to start off by thanking everyone beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I’ve been shown,” she wrote.
The model continued, “Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey.
“However, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.
“With the support of the Miss South Africa organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever represents us wears the crown for all.”
The 23-year-old model, born in Soweto to Nigerian and Mozambican parents, has been the target of xenophobic attacks on social media since being named a finalist in July.
The backlash included questioning her eligibility for the pageant, with some cabinet ministers weighing in.
The controversy escalated when South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) released preliminary findings suggesting that Adetshina’s mother may have been involved in fraud and identity theft in 2001.
The alleged illegal activities took place when Adetshina was still a minor and not directly involved.
Adetshina was one of the 10 finalists set to compete in the Miss South Africa grand finale on August 10, 2024, in Pretoria.
