Chidinma Adetshina Withdraws From Miss SA pageant

Miss South Africa Contestant and Finalist Chidinma Adetshina has withdrawn from the South Africa Pageant competition.

Recall that South Africa's national beauty contest has been marred by scandal since the authorities charged Chidimma's mother with fraud and identity theft.

Chidimma, 23, has faced nasty, xenophobic insults on social media since being named a finalist in the competition in July.

The commotion surrounding the matter prompted the Home Affairs Ministry to investigate her citizenship in response to a request from the pageant organizers.

The probe revealed "prima facie indications" that Chidimma's mother may have committed fraud and taken the name of a South African lady after the Miss SA candidate was born, according to the government on Wednesday.

In a post on her Instagram account, Chidimma said although withdrawing from the pageant is a difficult decision, the safety of her family comes first.

The post reads, “I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown.

“Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.

“With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all of the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”