South Africa: Beauty Queen Chidimma Adetshina fights deportation

South Africa’s former Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina is fighting efforts to deport her, claiming she was born in the country and has followed legal procedures to confirm her citizenship. The 25-year-old beauty queen faces a legal battle after being declared a prohibited person by South African authorities, who have sought her detention. A recent court hearing in Cape Town postponed the matter until February 2027, giving Adetshina more time to challenge the government’s position. Adetshina spoke publicly outside the court, asserting her claim to South African citizenship. She emphasized that she was born in Soweto and raised in Cape Town. According to her statements, she has taken all necessary steps to legally determine her status. “I remind everyone that I was born in South Africa,” she said. “I have applied through the proper legal channels to have my status and citizenship determined.” She also criticized what she described as attempts to stoke xenophobia and spread misinformation about her situation. Protesters from the anti-migrant group March and March were present during the court proceedings, calling for her deportation. Some individuals followed her vehicle as she exited the courthouse, indicating public support for the government’s stance. This opposition highlights the broader debate around national identity and immigration in South Africa. Adetshina’s citizenship has been a subject of controversy since she became a finalist in the 2024 Miss South Africa competition. Born to a Mozambican mother and a Nigerian father, her eligibility for the pageant sparked discussions about her nationality. Following the controversy, she withdrew from the competition. Authorities later revoked her identity and travel documents, citing allegations that her mother had committed identity fraud to secure South African nationality. In 2025, the mother’s citizenship was officially revoked. South African law does not automatically confer citizenship based solely on birth within the country. Instead, it requires that at least one parent holds South African citizenship or permanent residency status. This legal framework has placed Adetshina in a precarious position, as neither of her parents meets this criterion. In 2024, Adetshina left South Africa and competed in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, which she won. Upon her return, South African officials argued that she had entered the country unlawfully. Court documents indicate that the Home Affairs Department claims she applied for a South African visa while in Nigeria and acquired Nigerian passports for herself and her son. Additionally, officials allege that she crossed into South Africa via a border checkpoint in Mozambique. Adetshina denies these accusations, insisting that she maintains a legitimate connection to South Africa. She has referred to the country as her home and expressed frustration over what she perceives as unfair treatment. After being arrested in June on suspicion of unlawful entry, she was released on warning. Despite this, the legal challenge surrounding her deportation continues. The ongoing legal proceedings provide Adetshina with an opportunity to appeal the Home Affairs Department’s decision. The recent court postponement allows her to explore additional avenues for contesting her status. For now, she remains free while the judicial process unfolds. The outcome of her case could set a precedent for similar disputes involving individuals born in South Africa to foreign nationals. The case has drawn attention to the complexities of citizenship laws and their impact on individuals whose identities straddle multiple cultures and nationalities. As the legal battle progresses, the focus will remain on whether Adetshina can prove her right to reside in the country despite the challenges posed by her parents' backgrounds.