Chidimma Adetshina Lawyer’s Dual Home Affairs Role Draws Attention Amid Deportation Battle

The legal team representing former Miss Universe Nigeria runner-up Chidimma Adetshina has found itself under renewed scrutiny as questions emerge about immigration lawyer Stefanie de Saude-Darbandi’s simultaneous role on the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Advisory Board (IAB).

De Saude-Darbandi has been at the forefront of Adetshina’s legal fight against efforts to revoke her identity documents and ongoing deportation proceedings. At the same time, she serves as an independent member of the statutory board that advises the Minister of Home Affairs on immigration matters.

Despite public interest in the arrangement, legal experts point out that the dual role is permitted under South African law and does not automatically create a conflict of interest.

Stefanie De Saude-Darbandi Continues To Represent Chidimma Adetshina

De Saude-Darbandi’s involvement in Adetshina’s case became widely known in August 2024. At the time, the beauty queen withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant following intense public debate surrounding her citizenship status.

Since then, De Saude-Darbandi Attorneys has provided legal representation and public commentary as the matter evolved. The dispute later intensified when the Department of Home Affairs moved to revoke Adetshina’s identity documents, leading to the current deportation proceedings.

Speaking about the matter, De Saude-Darbandi emphasised the importance of assessing legal cases fairly.

“Behind every headline is a real person, a real family and real legal issues that deserve to be heard fairly,” she said.

Over nearly two years, the legal battle has remained one of the most closely watched immigration matters in South Africa.

Immigration Advisory Board Role Does Not Include Decision-Making Powers

Questions have been raised about whether De Saude-Darbandi’s position on the Immigration Advisory Board conflicts with her representation of Adetshina. However, the board’s role is limited to providing advice and does not involve making decisions on individual immigration matters.

Under Section 4 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, the board exists to advise the Minister of Home Affairs on immigration policy, regulations and broader system reforms.

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The board has no executive authority over visa applications, identity document decisions, citizenship matters or deportation proceedings. As a result, members do not participate in decisions affecting specific cases.

De Saude-Darbandi was appointed to the 13-member board by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber on 1 April 2025. The appointment formed part of efforts to revive the advisory body and support reforms within South Africa’s immigration system.

South African Law Requires Disclosure And Recusal Where Necessary

The Immigration Advisory Board was specifically designed to include independent specialists with expertise in immigration law and related fields. Members are appointed in their personal capacities and are not employed by the state.

Because board members often continue working in private practice, South African governance frameworks require them to declare any potential conflicts of interest.

Where a matter before the board overlaps with a case handled by a member or their firm, that individual is expected to disclose the interest and recuse themselves from discussions or recommendations on the issue.

Legal experts note that preventing board members from representing clients in matters involving the state would exclude many of South Africa’s most experienced immigration practitioners from contributing to policy development.

For this reason, the law permits advisory board members to maintain private legal practices, provided appropriate ethical safeguards are followed.