The Patriotic Alliance has initiated legal action against the Miss South Africa organization, aiming to have Chidimma Adetshina withdrawn from the competition.
Adetshina, allegedly born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, has been under scrutiny, with many questioning her eligibility to compete for the title. Recent developments have brought to light potential identity theft issues, prompting the Patriotic Alliance (PA) to act.
PA Deputy Leader Kenny Kunene indicated that the Home Affairs Department revealed potential identity theft involving the person registered as Adetshina’s mother.
Following this revelation, Kunene stated that the Patriotic Alliance is filing papers at the High Court in Pretoria. The PA aims to have the matter heard urgently, with the Miss South Africa pageant scheduled for later the same day.
The Patriotic Alliance has consistently argued that Adetshina does not adequately represent South Africa. The issue gained traction when videos showed her celebrating in Nigerian attire, which sparked controversy over her eligibility.
Kunene emphasized that the Miss South Africa winner should embody South African values and serve as a patriotic ambassador on global platforms.
Patriotic Alliance has instituted urgent legal action to interdict
1. Chidimma Adetshina from participating in the Miss South Africa We intend to have the matter heard on 10 August 2024 at 10am. We are waiting till 16H00 to confirm with Senior Judge the allocation of the matter. pic.twitter.com/oITrPCoePk— Kenny Kunene (@Kenny_T_Kunene) August 8, 2024
Gayton McKenzie, PA leader and the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, expressed satisfaction with the Home Affairs Department’s findings. McKenzie emphasized the need to uncover the alleged fraud and safeguard South African interests.
He expressed gratitude to South Africans who supported the PA’s stance, underscoring the importance of patriotic representation in national and international arenas.
As the case progresses, the implications for the Miss South Africa pageant are significant. The Patriotic Alliance maintains that Adetshina’s participation undermines what it means to be a true South African representative.
The outcome of this legal action could set a precedent for future pageants and eligibility criteria. Meanwhile, social media reactions indicate broad support for the Patriotic Alliance’s actions, reflecting a widespread desire to uphold South African identity and values in national events.
