Seunfunmi Joshua
The controversy surrounding the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant has become a flashpoint for tensions between some South Africans and Nigerians, particularly in the case of Vanessa Chidimma Adetshina, a finalist in the competition. Chidimma, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother with Mozambican roots, has faced significant backlash, with some questioning her eligibility to represent South Africa in the pageant.
Critics have claimed that Chidimma’s Nigerian heritage disqualifies her from the competition, despite her being a South African citizen by birth. The Miss South Africa organization has confirmed that her documentation is legitimate and that she meets all the eligibility criteria. However, the backlash has persisted, with some on social media expressing doubts and calling for her removal from the competition.
The issue has spiraled into a major social media war, especially between Nigerians and South Africans on X, shining a spotlight on South African society and how it has dealt with issues of racism, anti-African aggression (particularly towards Nigeria), and xenophobia. The tension escalated further when Mia Le Roux, a model and marketing manager from Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024 at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria, on Saturday, August 10.
Mia Le Roux was crowned Miss South Africa 2024, but her victory has been surrounded by controversy. The 28-year-old, celebrated for her resilience and advocacy for inclusion after overcoming significant challenges due to profound hearing loss, has become the center of a heated debate, particularly in light of the controversy involving former contestant Vanessa Chidimma Adetshina.
The Controversy
https://x.com/SandileMakeba/status/1822360691505807520?t=M0ohphNcQL6ze_buxyvGGg&s=19
https://x.com/Tochi_Amata/status/1822376266894360836?t=q-EacM3v8iNWQoBxRoaKxg&s=19
The controversy began with Vanessa Chidimma Adetshina, a finalist with Nigerian roots. Her withdrawal from the pageant due to citizenship concerns set the stage for what was to come. Adetshina’s exit wasn’t just a mere elimination; it exposed the underlying tensions about national identity, inclusivity, and xenophobia within the pageant and beyond.
When Mia, a white South African, was ultimately crowned, critics including Afrobeats mega superstar Burna Boy seized on the opportunity to highlight what they saw as xenophobic behaviour and the organizer’s failure to fully embrace diversity, suggesting that the rejection of Adetshina was a symptom of broader issues.
Tyla Speak Out On Miss South Africa 2024, Defending Chidimma And Facing Backlash
Tyla, known for her unapologetic style and bold statements, took to social media to defend Chidimma, who withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition amid accusations of identity fraud. Tyla condemned the way Chidimma was treated, suggesting that the harsh scrutiny she faced was rooted in xenophobia and unfair bias against Nigerians in South Africa. In Tyla’s view, Chidimma was “bullied” out of the competition, a stance that has resonated with many of her Nigerian fans but has sparked a fierce backlash from some South Africans.
Tyla’s comments did not sit well with a significant portion of the South African public. Critics accused her of betraying her country by not supporting Mia Le Roux, the eventual winner. The backlash was swift and intense, with many South Africans taking to social media to express their disappointment in Tyla. Some accused her of fanning the flames of division between South Africans and Nigerians, a sensitive topic given the history of xenophobic incidents in the country. Despite the criticism, Tyla has stood firm in her beliefs.
https://x.com/Evidence_Shongw/status/1822144965247393853?t=RMhSjG2oFkwBP36sfR3bMA&s=19
Mia Le Roux’s Triumph As A Deaf Miss South Africa
Mia Le Roux was crowned Miss South Africa on Saturday Night. Mia’s story is one of resilience and breaking barriers as a woman who has overcome significant challenges, including hearing loss. Her advocacy for inclusivity is central to her platform as Miss South Africa.
Mia’s mission is to bridge the gap between the hearing and deaf communities, raising awareness about the challenges faced by those with disabilities and promoting a more inclusive society. She aims to use her title to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard and to challenge stereotypes surrounding disabilities.
However, the backlash linked to Vanessa Chidimma Adetshina’s exit from the competition, due to citizenship issues, has led to broader discussions about diversity, inclusion, and national identity within the pageant.
Social Media Reactions
Social media was ablaze with reactions —
This saga has stirred passionate responses from various communities, highlighting both support for Mia’s deserved win and criticism of how the pageant handles contestants of diverse backgrounds.
Some defending Mia as a rightful and deserving winner who embodies the spirit of South Africa, and others pointing out that her win, in the context of Adetshina’s departure, seemed to sideline the continent’s diverse heritage. While Mia has been defended by many as a legitimate winner who overcame her own challenges.
Final Thoughts
This controversy has exposed underlying xenophobic sentiments in South Africa, particularly towards African immigrants and individuals of mixed heritage. The situation has drawn comparisons to other instances where contestants with non-South African roots faced similar scrutiny.
