Reactions have trailed the withdrawal of Chidinma Adetshina from the Miss South Africa 2024 beauty pageant with less than 48 hours to the finale.
For weeks, the 23-year-old has been at the centre of controversy regarding her eligibility to participate in the pageant.
Adetshina pulled out of the competition on Thursday over recent allegations of fraud and identity theft. Her withdrawal follows the Department of Home Affairs announcing that it had reasons to believe that her mother might have committed fraud and identity theft when Chidimma was an infant.
She made the announcement via her official Instagram page which reads:
I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown.
“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 from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I,” the statement read.
“With the support of the Miss South Africa organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for the amazing experience.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”
The news of the withdrawal of Chidinma Adetshina who was a top 10 finalist and a favourite for the crown has sparked reactions online.
Nigerians have also been reacting to the news with some encouraging her to participate in Nigeria’s top beauty pageant, the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN)
Chidinma Vanessa Adetshina’s story is heartbreaking.
As a Nigerian woman & beauty entrepreneur, I condemn the xenophobia she’s facing in SA.This hate is dangerous, not just for Chidinma, but for SA’s economy. Diversity fuels innovation, xenophobia stifles it.
— Fat Alberta : Ada hà ná a yo Lọlọ o na consider. (@Diiadvocate) August 8, 2024
South Africa did Chidinma dirty.
I saw it coming with all the petitions and social media outcry.
Wish she had withdrawn voluntarily and saved herself this embarrassment.
Now, her mum will be facing criminal charges, which may lead her to pay a heavy fine or serve jail term.
— Oluwashola (@Sholexx_) August 8, 2024
I’m glad Chidinma chose her safety over that Miss SA crown. It’s not worth it at all
I hope she continues to find opportunities in the fashion world if that’s what she aspire to. She already has the look, and if she decides to come to MBGN, we will welcome her with open arms.— Oluwadamilola Akintewe (@TeweDami) August 8, 2024
Xenophobia is not a joke. See how far South Africans went just to kick Chidinma out of a pageant.
— NKECHI ENEBELI (iamcharis.base.eth) – Tech Host (@__iamcharis) August 8, 2024