In a notable twist in the beauty pageant world, Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa finalist, has received an invitation to join the competition for the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria title. This opportunity follows her recent announcement regarding her decision to step down from the Miss South Africa pageant, a move that has sparked significant interest and discussion across social media and news outlets.

 

 

 

 

Chidimma’s journey has garnered attention not just for her participation in pageantry, but also her multicultural background. With a Nigerian father and an alleged Mozambican mother, her diverse heritage has played a pivotal role in her appeal within the beauty community. This background, coupled with her compelling personal narrative, has positioned Chidimma as a relatable figure for many young women, both in South Africa and beyond.

The formal invitation to the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant was extended by Guy James Murray-Bruce, the owner of the competition, just a day after Chidimma confirmed her difficult decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa finals, scheduled for August 10 in Pretoria. In a heartfelt message, the Miss Universe Nigeria team acknowledged the challenges surrounding her withdrawal and reaffirmed their belief that her journey in pageantry is far from over. They emphasized that Chidimma’s connection to Nigeria through her father allows her to seamlessly transition into their competition, celebrating the strength, intelligence, and diversity of Nigerian women.

Chidimma Adetshina has received an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant. pic.twitter.com/8CQkE7pg0F

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) August 9, 2024
The Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, now in its second year, has already captured the public’s attention with its commitment to highlight and empower women. With its recent announcement of the Top 24 candidates, Chidimma’s potential candidacy could add yet another layer of excitement to the upcoming competition.

While Chidimma Adetshina has not publicly responded to the invitation as of yet, her cryptic social media post hinted at her determination and clarity of purpose. She wrote, “When you know your ‘why,’ then your ‘what’ has more impact. Because you are working towards your purpose.” This suggests that she remains focused on her journey and understands the significance of her decisions in the context of her goals.As the developments unfold, many are left to ponder whether South Africa will indeed feel the impact of Chidimma’s departure from their pageant stage. Miss Universe Nigeria’s invitation serves as both a recognition of her talent and an opportunity for growth, while also raising questions about the inclusivity and outreach of beauty pageants across the African continent.

In a world increasingly seeking representation and diversity within competitive platforms, Chidimma Adetshina’s story is just beginning to take shape, and it may just pave the way for a new chapter in her pageantry career on an international level. For now, eyes will be on Chidimma as she navigates this pivotal moment in her life and explores where her path may lead next.

The world has lost a true icon with the passing of Connie Chiume. The veteran South African actress left a mark on the entertainment industry. Her career, spanning decades, showcased her immense talent and versatility.

Here are some of her most memorable performances that have cemented her legacy.

1. CONNIE CHIUME IN ZONE 14
Connie Chiume’s portrayal of Stella Moloi in Zone 14 is legendary. She played the matriarch of an affluent family in the township, running a soccer team called the Stella Stars.

Stella was a complex character, both a loving mother and a ruthless mastermind, according to Okay Africa.

Chiume’s performance was so compelling that audiences couldn’t help but be drawn to her, even when she was up to no good.

 

 

 

 

 

Reflecting on her role, she said, “Zone 14 gave me the opportunity to break out of being typecast. It was a game-changer.”

2. CONNIE CHIUME IN BLACK PANTHER
Chiume brought gravitas to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the Mining Tribe Elder in Black Panther.

Her role added authenticity to Wakanda, making it feel real and relatable.

Speaking about her experience, she shared, “I didn’t realise how big it was until my colleagues on Gomora told me. It was surreal.”

Her performance in this blockbuster film connected her with a global audience, showcasing her talent on an international stage, according to the BBC.

3. CONNIE CHIUME IN BLACK IS KING
In Beyoncé’s visual album Black is King, Chiume once again demonstrated her versatility.

She appeared as herself, adding a touch of authenticity to the already powerful project.

Chiume’s involvement in such a high-profile project further highlighted her status as a respected and influential actress, according to the BBC.

She once recounted, “I got the call for Black is King after a long day of rejections. It felt like a divine intervention.”

4. RHYTHM CITY
As Mamokete Khuse in Rhythm City, Chiume played a beloved community mother.

She and her on-screen husband, bra Kop, ran a transportation business and were pillars of their community.

Chiume’s warm and nurturing portrayal of Mamokete made her a favourite among viewers.

“Mamokete was like an anchor. She brought lost children home, cared for everyone. She was love personified,” she said during an interview on the MacG podcast.

5. GOMORA
In her role as Mam’Sonto Molefe in Gomora, Connie Chiume played a powerful and feared matriarch.

Her character was involved in crime, but Chiume’s performance brought depth and nuance, making Mam’Sonto a character viewers loved to hate.

Fellow actress Rami Chuene said, “Connie was so full of life and energy. Her portrayal of Mam’Sonto was unforgettable. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.”

A TRUE TALENT
Connie Chiume’s career was a testament to her talent and dedication.

She breathed life into every role she played, making each character memorable. Her impact on the South African entertainment industry and beyond is undeniable.

TRIBUTES FOR AN ICON
As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Connie Chiume will be remembered as one of the greats.

“I have impacted each and every person in a different way. Whatever way I have impacted you, remember me that way,” she once said.

HER LEGACY
And remembered she will be, for her outstanding contributions to film and television.

In these roles and many more, Connie Chiume showcased her incredible range and depth as an actress. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of performers.

WHICH OF CONNIE CHIUME’S PERFORMANCES RESONATED WITH YOU THE MOST, AND WHY?

A petition calling for the removal of Miss South Africa judge Lerato Kganyago has received just more than 2,000 votes four days after its launch. The call came after her defence of contestant Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, who has been subjected to scrutiny on social media for not being “South African enough”.

Despite being born in South Africa, many have criticised Adetshina’s suitability to represent the culture of South Africa, arguing she embraces her father’s Nigerian culture more. Her mother is Mozambican.

 

 

 

 

Others have came out to support Adetshina, including radio and TV personality Lerato, who said proper research was done by the organisation to determine her eligibility to compete.

“South Africans have found it easy to attack black women because we are seen as weaker. I spoke about how I refuse to be in an organisation that is not honest. Proper research was done, and documentation was completed. Do you understand? My opinion is based on facts. A factual investigation has been conducted. It’s so sad that every week people are coming up with something that her mother isn’t from here,” Lerato said.

Her remarks led to the establishment of a petition to remove her from the Miss SA judging panel. The petition, however, has not gained many votes. It argues that Kganyago’s remarks compromise the fairness and integrity of the competition. By Tuesday morning it had 2,399 signatures.

“Competitions like Miss SA play a crucial role in celebrating the diversity and talent of our young women. Therefore, maintaining their integrity is of supreme importance.

“The goal of this petition is to advocate for Lerato Kganyago’s disqualification as a judge. In doing so, we aim to uphold the cornerstone values of any competition: fairness and impartiality. We call on the management of the Miss SA contest to review the situation and ensure the contest is free from any form of bias. Each signature on this petition is a stand for fairness and equality,” the petition reads.

The official crowning of Miss SA will take place on August 10.

Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina, who found herself at the centre of a nationality row, withdrew from the pageant on Thursday, saying she took the decision for her and her family’s safety and well-being.

 

 

 

The news quickly made worldwide headlines with the BBC reporting on the drama as well as The Guardian.

Adetshina’s announcement on Instagram came a day after a preliminary investigation by Home Affairs found that her mother may have committed “fraud” and “identity theft” to become a South African national.

CENTRE OF A SOCIAL MEDIA STORM
Adetshina – a 23-year-old law student – said she was born in Soweto and grew up in Cape Town.

In recent interviews she claimed that her father was Nigerian and her mother was a South African of Mozambican descent.For weeks her roots have been at the centre of a social media storm, with several South Africans questioning whether she was indeed South African.

As the row escalated, the organisers of the Miss South Africa pageant asked the Home Affairs department to conduct an investigation ahead of the event on Saturday, 10 August at the SunBet Arena at Times Square in Pretoria.

HOME AFFAIRS CONDUCTING FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS
In a statement on Wednesday, the department said it had so far found that the identity of an “innocent” South African mother “may have been stolen” by Adetshina’s mother.

However, Adetshina “could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother as she was an infant at the time”, the department said.

It added that it was conducting further investigations with the aim of pressing criminal charges, while also obtaining legal advice “on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina’s citizenship status”.

In an Instagram post, Adetshina did not respond to the findings, but said she had taken the “difficult decision” to withdraw from the competition.

She said she was grateful “for all the love and support” she had received, and wished the remaining eight contestants the best.

The Miss South African organisation has broke their silence on the controversy surrounding former finalist Chidimma Adetshina’s ethnicity via a statement on Thursday 8 August.

MISS SA BREAKS SILENCE ON CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA’S ETHNICITY
After Chidimma Adetshina was placed as a Miss SA finalist, there were questions surrounding her ethnicity. The model previously said that her father is Nigerian, and her mother is South African with Mozambican roots.

 

 

 

 

 

However, a bombshell statement by the South African Department of Home Affairs alleged that Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft when registering her birth. Chidimma shortly dropped out of the pageant. The Miss SA Organisation has now broke their silence on the matter.

In a statement, the organisation stated that they wish Chidimma the best and success.

“In light of recent events, 2024 Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition. We wish Chidimma all of the very best and success in all her endeavours,” read the statement, shared with The South African.

“The Miss South Africa Organisation would like to thank our sponsors, partners, fans and all stakeholders for their continued support and wish the 2024 Miss South Africa finalists, all of the best,” read the statement.

MISS SA ORGANSIATION: ‘WE UPHOLD THE SPIRIT OF UBUNTU-BOTHO’
The Miss SA Organisation went on to say that they uphold the spirit of Ubuntu-Botho and are committed to contributing to self-belief, confidence and more.

“Miss South Africa celebrates South Africa’s rich and inclusive culture and diversity. We uphold the spirit of Ubuntu-Botho and are committed to contributing to the self-belief, self-confidence, and fulfilment of the aspirations of all girls and women in Africa and worldwide,” read the statement.

Chidimma expressed that she dropped out of the pageant for the safety of herself and her family, in a statement, shared on Instagram on Thursday 8 August. She turned off the comments on the post of the statement.

“I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I. With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience,” she wrote.