South Africans have shared mixed reactions to Chidimma Adetshina’s first runner-up finish at the 73rd Miss Universe competition held in Mexico City on Saturday.
The 23-year-old beauty queen was embroiled in a citizenship controversy during her participation in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant.
Born and raised in South Africa, Chidimma’s mother is Mozambican and her father is Nigerian. She was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition in August after allegations from South African Home Affairs that her parents had engaged in identity fraud to secure her South African citizenship.
In response, South African organizations, including Progressive Forces for South Africa, petitioned the Miss Universe organization for Chidimma’s disqualification, while the South African Home Affairs department announced it was taking steps to revoke her South African identity and travel documents.
As congratulatory messages continue to flow from Nigerians and other Africans, South Africans have offered mixed reactions to Chidimma’s success.
Some acknowledge her achievement as a reflection of her education in South Africa, while others mockingly labeled her a “first loser,” expressing relief that she did not win the coveted title.
However, Chidimma still has strong support in South Africa, with notable figures like Thuso Van Zyl praising her success as a victory of good over evil.
