Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina continues to endure xenophobic cyber attacks despite being born in South Africa.
The 23-year-old from Pimville, Soweto, has faced backlash after people learned that her father is Nigerian.
Critics on social media have argued that Adetshina should not compete in Miss SA, suggesting she should enter as Miss Nigeria instead.
However, many have come to her defense, asserting that her father’s nationality does not negate her identity as a South African.
@ShottaZee commented: “Only South Africans would spend a day defending black French footballers’ right to play for France, then wake up the next day to attack a Miss SA finalist for same.
“You can’t be calling boEnzo racists then wanna [want to] change rules when it hits home. Pick a f* side!” commented.
In one of her interviews, Adetshina explained that she was South African and defended her participation in the Miss SA competition.
“I am a South African citizen and have met all the requirements to be a part of the Miss SA competition. The fact that my father is Nigerian does not take away from the fact that I am South African.
“My mother is South African and I was born and raised in this country,” she said.
Interestingly, there was no such outrage when she entered the competition last year.
The key difference this year is that she has a strong chance of winning, which has sparked the negativity. Her supporters have rallied around her, expressing love and encouraging Adetshina to ignore the criticism and stay focused on winning the crown.
“ I know you must be going through a lot right now and I’m so sorry but please know that some South Africans, like myself, are on your side.
“Even if the negative noise is louder just remember you are South African, your ID confirms that n there’s no one can take that away,” commented @a_world_of_1.
Like many competitions, participation in the Miss SA contest is open to all South African citizens, even if their parents are from other countries.