The South African government has announced the cancellation of national identity papers for Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old former Miss South Africa contestant, following a controversy over her citizenship.
Adetshina withdrew from the pageant in August amid widespread allegations questioning her South African nationality, leading to an official investigation. The government confirmed on Tuesday that both she and her mother had missed a deadline to justify the retention of their identification documents.
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Adetshina faced significant backlash and xenophobic attacks after her selection as a finalist, highlighting ongoing anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.
The situation escalated to involve government ministers, with claims that Adetshina's mother may have unlawfully assumed the identity of a South African citizen. Home Affairs Director General Tommy Makhode informed a parliamentary committee that the pair had until Monday to provide reasons for not canceling their national identification documents