Xenophobic Storm Surrounds Miss South Africa Finalist Chidimma Adetshina
Chidimma Adetshina, a Miss South Africa finalist with Nigerian heritage, faces a storm of xenophobic attacks. Social media users have expressed hostile sentiments, with an online petition calling for her removal gaining over 14,000 signatures. Opposition leader Julius Malema has defended Adetshina, highlighting her South African birth and upbringing.
Adetshina was born and raised in South Africa, with a South African mother and a Nigerian father. Despite her South African roots, she has faced xenophobic attacks, mirroring the persistent 'afrophobia' and xenophobic sentiments in the country. Melissa Nayimuli, a contestant in last year's Miss South Africa pageant, shared similar experiences of facing xenophobic attacks, indicating this is not an isolated incident.
Sociologist Dr. Nombulelo Shange links this hostility to South Africa's history of racism and the apartheid system. Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has expressed skepticism about Adetshina's participation in the competition. Adetshina herself described the situation as 'black-on-black hate' and felt singled out among the finalists.
The incident involving Chidimma Adetshina has sparked debate about xenophobia and racism in South Africa. While opposition leader Julius Malema has defended Adetshina, the hostile sentiments expressed by social media users and the online petition calling for her removal highlight the persistent issue of 'afrophobia' in the country.
