South Africans Lauch Petition To Bar Chidimma Adetshina From Miss Universe

Nigerian beauty queen, Chidimma Adetshina is once again in the spotlight as a South African group called Progressive Forces of South Africa has petitioned Miss Universe organizers to block her from competing.

KanyiDaily recalls that Chidimma Adetshina previously stirred controversy in South Africa when her entry into the Miss South Africa pageant raised questions over her nationality.

With a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, both naturalized as South African, her eligibility sparked debates about national identity and xenophobia.

Following backlash, Adetshina withdrew from the pageant in August, later competing in and winning Miss Universe Nigeria, thus earning her spot to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe competition in Mexico.

Now in Mexico, Chidimma Adetshina faces another hurdle as South Africans continue their efforts to challenge her eligibility.

On Wednesday, October 30, Lebogang Shovhote initiated a petition titled “Chidimma Adetshina should not participate in Miss Universe,” citing accusations of identity fraud linked to her mother.

Shovhote and supporters argued that allowing Adetshina to participate undermines the pageant’s values of integrity and fairness.

They have called on Miss Universe organizers to reconsider her entry, arging that her continued participation could harm the pageant’s reputation and bring negative attention to both Nigeria and Africa.

As of now, the petition has gained over 950 signatures out of a 1,000-signature target.

The petition reads, “We are genuinely excited about the upcoming edition of the biggest event in the pageant industry since a Miss Universe crown is a career-defining moment for title holders worldwide.

“Even though we are excited, we are greatly concerned about Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, whose mother, Anabela Rungo, was found guilty of committing identity fraud before participating in Miss Universe Nigeria.

“A well-known activist, Kwena Molekwa, risked her own life and that of her team, working tirelessly to gather the facts regarding this contestant.

“The South African public was shocked with stories of identity fraud, drug dealing, and a variety of other heinous crimes connected to the mentioned contestant and her family.

“The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa was prompted to lodge an investigation after the South African public outcry when it was suspected that the mentioned contestant may have obtained her South African identification fraudulently.

“Overwhelming evidence was shared on social media, especially X, where it was proven beyond doubt that Anabela Rungo stole the identity of a South African child, and the impact of identity theft had devastating consequences.

“The Nigerian Embassy granted the mentioned contestant a diplomatic passport, which ensured a swift escape for herself and her mother, granting her the opportunity to be a contestant in Miss Universe Nigeria.

“There was backlash from many South Africans, condemning the Nigerian government for hosting a citizen who has been found guilty of hosting people who committed crimes in South Africa, bringing Nigeria into disrepute.

“Chidimma and her mother were granted a fair chance to defend themselves but failed.

“Yesterday, on October 29th, 2024, Home Affairs, by court order, cancelled the identities of Anabela Rungo and Chidimma Adetshina.

“As Progressive Forces of South Africa, we are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with you, Miss Universe, as an organisation, to reconsider the contestant, Miss Nigeria Universe, and, if possible, cancel her entry. Miss Universe is a known class, integrity, and fair competition brand.”

The group argued that allowing Ms Adetshina to participate could compromise and ruin the organisation’s integrity.

“Miss Universe is known for granting a good platform to women from all walks of life to contribute positively to society while being the golden key to unlocking endless possibilities.

“We would hate to see the pageant lose its good image due to a contestant whose mother has been found guilty of stealing the identity of an innocent citizen. Not only did this contestant bring her own country into disrepute, but her participation in this iconic pageant would also bring Africa into disrepute.

“Throughout this, the contestant, her mother, the embassy of Nigeria and the Nigerian government have been arrogant and have shown no remorse.

“Thank you for reading our letter; we hope you act in the best interests of all contestants and for justice and fairness,” the petition added.

Meanwhile, South African authorities have reportedly canceled Chidimma Adetshina and her mother’s South African identity documents, raising further questions about her eligibility.