Popular news and entertainment blog MDNnews has sparked a wave of controversy by posting a video that reportedly shows Miss South Africa 2024 finalist Chidimma Onwe Adetshina’s traditional Nigerian wedding.
The footage has made a flurry of activity online as netizens delve deeper into Chidimma’s personal history.
Ever since Chidimma entered the competition it has led to renewed questioning of her eligibility for the Miss South Africa competition. Some users have challenged her citizenship and are calling for her removal from the pageant, arguing that her background disqualifies her from representing South Africa.
In an interview with Sowetan LIVE, Chidimma who is 23 years old opened up about her experiences with motherhood and her divorce at a young age. She also discussed how growing up in a multi-national home has given her a unique perspective on different cultures and instilled a deep sense of pride in her South African identity.
She noted that the criticism intensified as she advanced in the competition, leading her to question if it was worth continuing.
“At first I ignored it, but as I progressed in the competition, the criticism started growing by the day. Until I thought to myself, I am representing a country but I don’t feel the love from the people I’m representing – I even asked myself, ‘Is it worth it?’, she told the publication.
Miss SA pageant Chidimma Adetshina is seen dancing at her wedding. pic.twitter.com/5nykcHKqW1
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) August 5, 2024
Taking to the comments one user asked, “Why is more attention paid to her?”
Another user said: “The only thing that made Chidimma a Nigerian is her name and her father, every other thing about her is South African. this supposedly traditional wedding took place in SA not in Nigeria, yet Chidimma is facing xenophobic hate at the hands of black people in SA.”
One user added, “This does not represent SA.”
