The former Miss SA finalist, Chidimma Adetshina has left the chase for the crown, as prima facie evidence suggests that her South African citizenship may have been fraudulently obtained.
The Home Affairs Department on Wednesday revealed that it had launched an investigation into the matter, after receiving a request to do so by organisers of the Miss SA event.
It says preliminary findings found that the Adetshina’s mother may have stolen someone’s identity, further noting that because this happened in 2001 – the former finalist played no part in the alleged fraud.
Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, says the alleged incident has even taken toll on others.
“An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen as part of the alleged fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother, suffered as a result because she could not register her child.”
[MEDIA STATEMENT] Ongoing Home Affairs investigation finds Prima Facie indications of fraud committed by Chidimma Adetshina’s mother. #TeamHomeAffairs #DHAServiceDelivery @GCISMedia pic.twitter.com/X5Dy2fWjNW
— HomeAffairsSA 🇿🇦 (@HomeAffairsSA) August 7, 2024
Adetshina’s has for weeks been the subject of criticism on social media, with many speculating her citizenship in South Africa and even calling for her disqualification. Political party leaders, namely the Patriotic Alliance’s Gayton Mckenzie (who is also the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport) have also weighed in on the debate.
READ MORE: Home Affairs & Miss SA must clarify Adetshina’s eligibility – Mbalula
Following the findings of the Home Affairs Department, and further backlash on social media, Adetshina withdrew, thanking those who supported her. She made it to the Top 16 of the competition.
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Legal proceedings
Prior to the news of Adetshina’s withdrawal, the Patriotic Alliance noted it had filed an urgent interdict to prevent her from continuing in the competition.
Thank you, DP of the people. 💚🇿🇦 #OnsBaizaNie #ABAHAMBE https://t.co/3P3IZ3sZUY
— Patriotic Alliance (@OnsBaizaNie) August 8, 2024
Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Department says it intends to press criminal charges against all those involved – pending the outcome of its completed investigation. Schreiber further noted that this matter has highlighted the need for the department’s systems to be modernised.
“This case, which stems from fraudulent activities committed 23 years ago, highlights the urgent need for the digital modernisation of Home Affairs applications, adjudication and verification processes, to insulate the Department against fraudulent interference, similar to the reforms undertaken at the South African Revenue Service in the late 2000s.”
Expert comment
A legal practitioner for South African imigration and citizenship affairs, Stephanie De Saude Darbandi, says the initial controversy, driven by xenophobic sentiments, assumed Adetshina was Nigerian due to her use of a Nigerian flag and family background. She says the allegations levelled against Adetshina, however, highlight systemic issues within Home Affairs.
“Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that a foreigner alone cannot commit identity theft or fraud without assistance from someone within the system. Fraudulent activities often involve multiple parties, and in many cases, foreigners approach the Department of Home Affairs for assistance and are provided with incorrect guidance. It’s possible that Chidimma’s mother might have been a victim of such systemic issues, rather than a perpetrator of fraud.”
And while further investigation will uncover the true nature of the matter, De Saude Darbandi says regardless of the outcome, Adetshina is a victim in this situation.
“She has lived her entire 23 years in South Africa, believing herself to be a legitimate citizen. She should not bear the consequences of any fraudulent actions taken without her knowledge or consent. It’s also vital to consider that Home Affairs’ systems and processes can sometimes fail, leading to unintentional fraudulent statuses for individuals.”
