Miss South Africa competitor Chidimma Adetshina has withdrawn from the competition.
She said that she withdrew to protect her family’s safety and wellbeing.
Following accusations of fraud and identity theft by the government against Chidimma’s mother, the national beauty contest of South Africa has become embroiled in scandal.
As a result, since Chidimma, 23, was declared a finalist in the competition in July, she has faced hateful and xenophobic remarks on social media.
Her qualifications have been questioned by many, including cabinet ministers.
Following a request from the pageant organizers, the Home Affairs Ministry conducted an investigation into her citizenship due to the uproar surrounding the issue.
According to the ministry, the probe found “prima facie indications” that Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and stolen a South African woman’s name after the Miss SA candidate was born.
Chidimma stated that her family’s safety comes first, even though quitting the pageant is a tough decision, in a post on her Instagram account.
The message on the post says, “I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to everyone who has supported me from the beginning of my Miss South Africa journey. I sincerely appreciate all of the love and support that I have received.
“It has been an incredible experience to compete in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant; however, after giving it serious thought, I have decided to withdraw from the competition to ensure my family’s safety and well-being.
“With the help of the Miss South Africa Organization, I depart feeling incredibly grateful for this incredible opportunity.
I’d want to use this chance to wish the other finalists the best of luck for the next stages of the competition. The person donning the crown speaks for all of us.
