Miss South Africa Contestant Chidimma Faces Backlash Over Nationality

Chidimma Vanessa Onwe, a 23-year-old law student from South Africa, has encountered criticism over her nationality following her placement in the top 13 of the current Miss South Africa (Miss SA) competition. 

Born in Soweto to a South African mother and Nigerian father, Chidimma has endured a barrage of vitriolic attacks from some South Africans who thought she wasn't good enough to compete in the pageant.  

Her Nigerian heritage has been cited by numerous social media users as evidence that she is not a South African and shouldn't be competing in the pageant. 
There are however some who wonder why she was allowed to compete by the Miss South Africa organisation.  

Meanwhile, the Miss SA organization has responded to xenophobic comments on social media regarding Chidimma. 

Speaking to journalists, the organization confirmed that Chidimma has met all the requirements to participate in the pageant.

“All documentation provided by the entrants was screened and vetted,” the statement read. 

“Chidimma is a South African citizen and has met all the requirements to be a part of the Miss South Africa competition. Her mother is South African (Zulu), and her father is Nigerian.”

According to Miss SA eligibility, contestants must be South African citizens and possess a valid ID or passport. If the contestant holds dual citizenship, documents relating to both must be made available

According to an amendment to the South African Citizenship Act, citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, or naturalisation.