Chidimma Vannesa Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has tearfully recounted her recent struggles in South Africa. She withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant due to controversies surrounding her nationality and allegations of identity theft involving her mother raised by the South African Home Affairs.
In a heartfelt interview, Adetshina revealed that she faced rejection from South Africans because of her name. “South Africans felt like I was not South African enough because of my name, and it was really hard to see," she shared. "It was a very horrible experience, and I would not wish it on anybody, especially since I have lived there for 23 years. It’s heartbreaking to see that I was not welcomed and accepted.”
When questioned about the identity theft allegations against her mother, the beauty queen chose not to comment, citing the ongoing legal matter. “There were some statements from Home Affairs regarding my mom’s ID, and I won’t comment on it,” she explained. “What I do know is that I was born in South Africa, and I am still South African, and I am still proudly Nigerian.”
Adetshina’s emotional account highlights the complexities of identity and belonging, resonating with many who have faced similar challenges. As she embarks on her journey as Miss Universe Nigeria, her experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding across cultures.