Former Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, has appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court to challenge the South African Department of Home Affairs’ attempt to deport her from the country. The court appearance follows a legal application filed by her legal team, contesting the legality of the deportation process. Adetshina was arrested in June after authorities alleged she entered South Africa illegally, sparking a legal battle that continues to unfold in the courts.
Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina initially competed in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant before withdrawing amid scrutiny over her family’s citizenship status. The controversy began when South African authorities launched an investigation into her mother’s identity and citizenship documentation, raising questions about her eligibility for the national beauty competition. In August 2024, the Department of Home Affairs stated that Adetshina’s mother may have been involved in identity theft, further complicating her legal status in the country.
The situation triggered a wave of social media backlash, with many targeting Adetshina because of her Nigerian heritage, despite her being born and raised in South Africa. Critics failed to acknowledge that she met all eligibility criteria for the Miss South Africa pageant. Undeterred, Adetshina shifted her focus to Nigeria, where she accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. She emerged victorious and went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 global competition.
At the international pageant, Adetshina finished as first runner-up and was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, marking a historic achievement for Nigeria. Her success on the global stage has made her one of the country’s most celebrated beauty queens. As the legal proceedings continue, Adetshina is expected to submit an affidavit outlining her efforts to regularise her stay in South Africa. The document will likely detail her attempts to comply with immigration laws and her intention to remain in the country legally.
The case has drawn national and international attention, highlighting broader issues around citizenship, identity, and xenophobia. It also underscores the challenges faced by individuals of mixed heritage navigating complex immigration systems. As the court reviews the matter, the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in South Africa. The legal battle remains ongoing, with Adetshina determined to fight for her right to stay in the country where she was born and raised.
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