Chidimma Adetshina is facing renewed controversy with South Africans as the Progressive Forces of South Africa submitted a petition to Miss Universe organizers, urging them to disqualify her from the competition.
Currently in Mexico representing Nigeria in the Miss Universe pageant, Ms. Adetshina risks disqualification if the petition succeeds. On Wednesday, Lebogang Shovhote initiated a Change.org petition titled “Chidimma Adetshina should not participate in Miss Universe,” on behalf of the Progressive Forces of South Africa.
In the petition, Ms. Shovhote wrote, “We are appealing to Miss Universe, as an organization that upholds justice, to reconsider Miss Nigeria Universe’s entry and, if possible, revoke it.”
This petition was filed shortly after South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs announced plans to revoke the South African identity and travel documents of Ms. Adetshina and her mother, citing unverified document legitimacy.
As of the latest update, the petition has garnered 954 of its 1,000-signature goal.
Ms. Adetshina, born in 2001 at Soweto’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother (now a South African citizen), withdrew from Miss South Africa to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
The petitioners also raised concerns of alleged identity fraud, stating that Ms. Adetshina and her mother may face criminal charges.
The petition reads, “We are genuinely excited about the upcoming edition of the biggest event in the pageant industry since a Miss Universe crown is a career-defining moment for title holders worldwide.
“Even though we are excited, we are greatly concerned about Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, whose mother, Anabela Rungo, was found guilty of committing identity fraud before participating in Miss Universe Nigeria.
“A well-known activist, Kwena Molekwa, risked her own life and that of her team, working tirelessly to gather the facts regarding this contestant. The South African public was shocked with stories of identity fraud, drug dealing, and a variety of other heinous crimes connected to the mentioned contestant and her family.
“The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa was prompted to lodge an investigation after the South African public outcry when it was suspected that the mentioned contestant may have obtained her South African identification fraudulently. Overwhelming evidence was shared on social media, especially X, where it was proven beyond doubt that Anabela Rungo stole the identity of a South African child, and the impact of identity theft had devastating consequences.
“The Nigerian Embassy granted the mentioned contestant a diplomatic passport, which ensured a swift escape for herself and her mother, granting her the opportunity to be a contestant in Miss Universe Nigeria. There was backlash from many South Africans, condemning the Nigerian government for hosting a citizen who has been found guilty of hosting people who committed crimes in South Africa, bringing Nigeria into disrepute.
“Chidimma and her mother were granted a fair chance to defend themselves but failed.
Yesterday, on October 29th, 2024, Home Affairs, by court order, cancelled the identities of Anabela Rungo and Chidimma Adetshina.
“As Progressive Forces of South Africa, we are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with you, Miss Universe, as an organisation, to reconsider the contestant, Miss Nigeria Universe, and, if possible, cancel her entry. Miss Universe is a known class, integrity, and fair competition brand.”
The group argued that allowing Ms Adetshina to participate could compromise and ruin the organisation’s integrity.
“Miss Universe is known for granting a good platform to women from all walks of life to contribute positively to society while being the golden key to unlocking endless possibilities. We would hate to see the pageant lose its good image due to a contestant whose mother has been found guilty of stealing the identity of an innocent citizen. Not only did this contestant bring her own country into disrepute, but her participation in this iconic pageant would also bring Africa into disrepute. Throughout this, the contestant, her mother, the embassy of Nigeria and the Nigerian government have been arrogant and have shown no remorse.
“Thank you for reading our letter; we hope you act in the best interests of all contestants and for justice and fairness,” the petition added.
