A public outcry on social media sparked an investigation into the citizenship of Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adetshina. Following the public’s concerns, the organizers of the pageant submitted an official request to the Department of Home Affairs to look into the matter.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina’s citizenship began when many South Africans voiced their concerns on social media, prompting Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie, to call for an investigation into her eligibility to participate in the pageant. Mckenzie faced criticism for his stance, but has since been vindicated by the findings of the Department of Home Affairs.
According to the department, Adetshina’s mother may have committed fraud by stealing the identity of another South African woman when registering her birth. The investigation has been broadened to identify and pursue other officials who may have been involved in the alleged fraud.
Minister Mckenzie has taken to social media to thank South Africans for their support during the controversy. “I want to thank all South Africans who stood by me when I was being called names for calling for an investigation into Chidimma’s citizenship,” he tweeted. In a follow-up tweet, Mckenzie stated that the next step is to find the South African mother who suffered because her child’s identity was stolen.
The incident highlights the importance of verifying the eligibility of participants in national competitions and the need for vigilance in preventing fraud and identity theft. The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the integrity of national events and ensuring that justice is served in this matter.
Photo: Supplied
