Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina has finally broken her silence following criticism from social media, regarding her Nigerian heritage.
Despite having a South African mother and being born in the country, the news of her father being Nigerian seems to have caused an uproar.
The 23-year-old model sought to address her naysayers.
“The hate on Nigerians is so pathetic and uncalled for.
The insults I receive on this app are just too much.
Africans should live in peace and unity,” Adetshina posted on X.
Social media users were divided on the matter with some describing her participation as a misrepresentation of Mzansi.
“Make Nigeria great in NIGERIA, not in other people’s houses bathong wena,” commented @DarlaForst.
@sasmanic wrote “Victimhood, nobody drags others like Nigerians, so madam be quiet.
Youtuber Penuel Mlotshwa was amongst those who came to the top 16 finalist’ defence, commenting “Sorry that you’re catching strays Chidimma.
Unfortunately, you are getting to see the issues we have as a continent and as a country.
There are many illegal Nigerians in SA who sell drugs and commit other crimes.
You’re innocent, you did not choose to be born here and to be SAn, but I hope you use this opportunity to educate yourself on the issues we have and raise them loudly.”
This has also sparked a conversation about whether South Africans are xenophobic or are simply protecting what is rightfully theirs.
Despite the public outcry, the participation in the Miss SA pageant is open to all SA citizens who have a valid South African ID or passport, even if their parents are from other countries.
