South African or not? This has been the ongoing debate centred around the current Miss South Africa 2024 finalist Chidimma Adetshina, following public discussions that she should not be allowed to compete in the beauty pageant.
Chidimma has faced criticism on social media after questions were raised on her nationality since her father is Nigerian and her mother is reported to be a South African with Mozambican heritage. Meanwhile, TimesLive also reported that Chidimma herself was born in South Africa.
Following online discourse, politicians, celebrities and various other influential figures have shared their opinions on the matter.
With the rules regarding her South African citizenship still unclear, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza has since spoken to the media to shed light on the incident.
In an interview with the radio station, 702, he highlighted his inability to disclose personal information but stressed that citizenship in South Africa is not obtained by birth, as it is in places like the United States of America, instead it is obtained by blood.
“It is commonly acquired either by soil or by blood. When we say soil, it’s because you are born in that country, and then you become a citizen,” he explained.
He continued: “One country which adopted this is America, whereby if you are born there, you become a US citizen. However, in South Africa, you get citizenship by blood. One of your parents must be a South African. Then you qualify.”
He further highlighted that should parents have the proper documentation to prove that they are legally in the country, permanent residency will then be granted to their child who was born in the country.
Meanwhile, the news and entertainment publication The South African, reported that Chidimma and her mother are both South African and that she met all the criteria to enter the pageant.
Also see: Pearl Thusi speaks on Miss SA Chidimma nationality drama
