Chidimma Adetshina: From South African Controversy to Nigerian Triumph

Chidimma Adetshina's trajectory from her ouster from the Miss South Africa pageant to her crowning as Miss Universe Africa illustrates the complexities of identity and xenophobic tensions in Africa.

A rise hampered by xenophobia

Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Chidimma Adetshina grew up in South Africa. In 2024, she entered the Miss South Africa pageant, but her participation sparked a heated controversy. Voices were raised, questioning her legitimacy because of her foreign origins. This controversy revealed the persistent xenophobic tensions in the country, where African immigrants are often stigmatized.

Faced with media pressure and attacks on social media, Chidimma decided to withdraw from the South African competition. This decision highlights the challenges faced by individuals from immigrant backgrounds in South Africa, a country still marked by the aftermath of apartheid and deep socio-economic inequalities.

A resounding revenge in Nigeria

Refusing to give up, Chidimma turns to Nigeria, her father's home country. She competes in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and wins the crown in August 2024. This success is seen as symbolic revenge against the discrimination she suffered in South Africa.

In November 2024, she represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City. Her exceptional performance earned her the title of first runner-up, a historic first for Nigeria in this competition. In addition, she was crowned Miss Universe Africa, recognizing her status as the best African candidate in the competition.

A symbol of resilience and African unity

Chidimma Adetshina’s journey transcends the realm of beauty pageants. It embodies resilience in the face of discrimination and underscores the importance of African unity. Her story resonates particularly as xenophobic tensions threaten social cohesion on the continent.

By celebrating her multiple origins and overcoming the obstacles linked to her identity, Chidimma sends a powerful message: diversity is richness, and Africa must embrace all its components to move forward together towards a harmonious future.