The Department of Home Affairs has clarified the controversy surrounding Miss SA finalist Chidimma Adetshina, whose nationality has been questioned by some pageant fans.
The 23-year-old, whose father is Nigerian and mother is South African with Mozambican roots, has faced backlash from those who believe she should not represent South Africa.
High-profile figures such as Prince Kaybee, Pearl Thusi, Gayton McKenzie, Herman Mashaba, and Julius Malema have all commented on the issue via social media.
In an interview with Clement Manyathela on 702, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza sought to set the record straight about Chidimma’s citizenship.
While he could not reveal confidential information about any citizen, including Chidimma, he explained the basis of citizenship according to the Citizenship Act.
Nzuza clarified that South African citizenship is typically acquired by birth, descent, or naturalization.
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He explained, “Citizenship is commonly acquired either by soil or by blood. In South Africa, you get citizenship by blood. One of your parents must be South African for you to qualify.”
He added that if there is suspicion of wrongly obtained citizenship, Home Affairs has the right to investigate and revoke it if fraud is found.
This can also affect the citizenship of children if their parents’ citizenship is found to be fraudulent.
Contrary to some beliefs, being born in South Africa does not automatically grant citizenship. A child born in South Africa to foreign parents can obtain citizenship if the parents hold permanent residency.
Nzuza elaborated, “If a parent is here on permanent residence and their child is born here, then that child qualifies for permanent residency. If a South African mother adopts a child, then that child can become a South African.”
The Miss SA organization confirmed that both Chidimma Adetshina and her mother are South African citizens and that Chidimma met all the necessary criteria to enter the pageant.
The organization chose not to comment further on the social media backlash.
This clarification aims to dispel any misinformation and support Chidimma Adetshina’s rightful place in the Miss SA 2024 pageant.