South Africans Reacts As Chidimma Adetshina Wins Miss Universe Nigeria 2024

Chidimma Adetshina, a model who was forced to withdraw from a South African beauty pageant, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.

The 23-year-old law student decided to compete in Nigeria after her controversial exit from the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant.

Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from the beauty pageant due to backlash over her nationality. She cited safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members.

Adetshina was born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother and grew up in Soweto, South Africa.

Despite being a strong contender in the South African pageant, she faced criticism from some South Africans who argued she was ineligible because her father wasn’t South African.

South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, launched an investigation into Adetshina’s citizenship after concerns were raised by the Miss South Africa organizers and the public.

The investigation revealed that Adetshina’s mother might have used the identity of an innocent South African woman.

Ben Murray-Bruce, the President of the Silverbird Group, which organizes the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, invited her to join the just concluded MUN 2024.

On Saturday night, he announced Adetshina as the winner during the grand finale at Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos.

Representing Taraba State, Chidimma Adetshina stood out among 25 contestants in a tightly contested event.

In her acceptance speech, Chidimma said that her victory symbolizes unity. “This crown is not just for beauty; it’s a call for unity,” she said.

Adetshina will receive N10 million in cash and other prizes, and she will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this November.

Netizens, especially South Africans, have flocked to social media to share their thoughts on the outcome, with reactions ranging from support for Chidimma Adetshina’s resilience to continued debate over her nationality.

See some reactions below:

https://x.com/unclescrooch/status/1829990598377705785

https://x.com/Thuso1Africa/status/1830169765559644230

https://x.com/afrisagacity/status/1829997324992725018

https://x.com/Missgeey_/status/1830021746478432678

https://x.com/SavvyRinu/status/1829996361908986004

https://x.com/Thuso1Africa/status/1830003813232550281

https://x.com/Thuso1Africa/status/1830002253714915532

https://x.com/firstladyship/status/1830208685924339796

https://x.com/SandileMakeba/status/1830148722790953158

This comes barely three weeks after Chidimma Adetshina accepted an invitation to compete in the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.