Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina has withdrawn from the competition and the Patriotic Alliance has dropped their legal challenge against her competing. Still, neither of these things means the young beauty from Soweto’s nightmare is quite over.
Adetshina’s withdrawal followed a statement from the department of home affairs on Wednesday, indicating potential fraud and identity theft involving the individual listed as her mother in official records.
Adetshina made the announcement on her Instagram account, expressing that while being part of the competition was an incredible experience, she had to prioritise her family’s safety and well-being.
Adetshina wrote:
After much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition.
She also expressed gratitude for the support she received from the Miss SA organisation, saying she leaves the competition with “a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”
The department of home affairs has urged South Africans to remain patient as their investigation continues.
In a statement released on Thursday, the department emphasised its commitment to transparency but noted that further public comments would be withheld until the inquiry is concluded.
The statement read.
Our team is working diligently to establish the full set of facts and will communicate those facts in a transparent manner at the appropriate time.
Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, raising concerns about the potential consequences for Adetshina, despite her having played no part in the suspected illegal activities.
Stefanie De Saude Darbandi from DSD Immigration Attorneys said that if the department finds that her mother’s permanent residency and citizenship were fraudulent she would be rendered an illegal foreign national.
“According to South African law, a prerequisite for citizenship by naturalisation, which we were told is how she obtained her status, is holding a valid permanent residency permit. We don’t know if Chidimma’s mother actually had permanent residency status, but this would have been one of the lawful requirements to meet. If her mother had lawful permanent residency at the time of Chidimma’s birth, then Chidimma’s citizenship might, in law, still stand. However, if her mother’s permanent residency and subsequent citizenship were fraudulent, then Chidimma’s status as a South African citizen is in jeopardy, potentially rendering her an illegal foreigner,” De Saude Darbandi said.
De Saude Darbandi said South African citizenship law, particularly section 4(3) of the Citizenship Act, offered a pathway for individuals like Chidimma.
“If she was born in South Africa, had her birth registered here and has lived in the country until reaching the age of majority, she may still qualify for citizenship regardless of her parents’ status.”
De Saude Darbandi said:
This provision serves as a safeguard, ensuring that individuals who have established their lives in South Africa are not unfairly penalized due to bureaucratic errors or their parents’ actions.