Xenophobia Rocks Miss South Africa: Chidimma Adetshina Faces Attacks
Controversy has erupted in the Miss South Africa pageant, with Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie questioning the participation of finalist Chidimma Adetshina. The Nigerian-born contestant, who was raised in South Africa, has faced xenophobic attacks due to her heritage.
Adetshina is not the first to face such attacks in the pageant. Zozibini Tunzi, the current Miss South Africa, and Melissa Nayimuli, a contestant from last year, both experienced xenophobia due to their African backgrounds. An online petition, gaining over 14,000 signatures, called for Adetshina's removal from the competition.
Adetshina, born to a South African mother and Nigerian father, described the situation as 'black-on-black hate'. Sociologist Dr. Nombulelo Shange links the hostility to South Africa's history of racism and apartheid. Since the end of apartheid, African migrants have often been scapegoated for economic struggles, leading to occasional violence.
Opposition leader Julius Malema defended Adetshina, highlighting her South African birth and upbringing. However, social media users have expressed hostile sentiments, with one user stating, 'She better start packing and go home.'
The controversy surrounding Adetshina's participation in the Miss South Africa pageant has sparked a conversation about xenophobia and racism in the country. Despite the attacks, Adetshina remains in the competition, with the pageant organisers stating their support for her.
