The Miss South Africa (Miss SA) Organisation recently made headlines following the withdrawal of one of its finalists, Chidimma Adetshina. On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Chidimma announced her decision to drop out of the competition, citing concerns for her family’s safety amid controversial allegations regarding her ethnicity and identity. This development has sparked discussions surrounding the pressures faced by contestants within the pageant community.Chidimma Adetshina’s Withdrawal
Chidimma, who had secured her position as a finalist in the Miss SA reality show Crown Chasers, took to Instagram to share her heartfelt decision. In a statement, she expressed gratitude for her experience in the competition but felt compelled to prioritize her family’s wellbeing. The young beauty queen stated, “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.”
Chidimma’s decision to disable comments on her post indicates the sensitivity surrounding her situation and the public’s reaction to it.
Background of the Controversy
Chidimma’s withdrawal comes on the heels of serious allegations from the South African Department of Home Affairs. This statement implicated her mother in potential fraud and identity theft related to Chidimma’s birth registration. Such claims can have severe consequences in the public eye, especially in a society that values transparency and integrity, particularly in beauty pageants renowned for their representations of national pride.
In a response, the Miss SA Organisation confirmed Chidimma’s withdrawal and expressed their well-wishes for her future endeavors. “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,” the statement read.Layla Zoubair
Lebohang Khoza
Mia le Roux
Nompumelelo Maduna
Onalenna Constantin
Ontshiametse Tlhopane
Palesa Lombard
Taahira Katz
Kirsten Khan
Kebalepile Ramafoko
Tyla standing strong in support of Chidimma Adetshina
As the Miss South Africa 2024 finale approaches, the excitement is palpable, with the remaining contestants preparing to showcase their talents and resilience. This year’s competition has certainly transformed, capturing the attention of not just the South African audience but also celebrities who are closely connected to these young women.
Among the public figures weighing in on the pageant narrative are Mzansi stars like Pearl Thusi and DJ Sbu, both of whom have faced significant backlash for their support of contestant Chidimma Adetshina. This scrutiny intensified when Nigeria invited Chidimma to compete in the upcoming Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant.