Mixed Reactions Amongst South Africans As Chidimma Adetshina Wins Miss Universe

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria 

South Africans have expressed mixed reactions to Chidimma Adetshina’s emergence as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe competition.

The 23-year-old beauty queen had earlier been surrounded by controversies regarding her citizenship during her participation in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant.

Born and raised in South Africa to a Mozambican mother and a Nigerian father, Chidimma faced accusations of identity fraud levelled against her parents by South Africa’s Home Affairs.

This development led to her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant in August.

Despite the challenges, Chidimma went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition, where she won admiration for her poise and performance.

While Nigerians and Africans have continued to shower her with congratulatory messages, reactions from South Africans have been varied.

Taking to social media platform X, Thuso1Africa celebrated Chidimma’s achievement, writing: “Out of 8.2 billion people on earth, the two most beautiful women in the universe are Victoria from Denmark and Chidimma from Nigeria. No DNA, just Nigeria.”

Some South Africans attributed her success to her upbringing in South Africa.

Unathi Msuthu commented, “You can spot a South African product. She was trained very well in South Africa. None of the girls she was competing with in Miss Nigeria would have made it this far. Job well done to South Africa.”

Sharing a similar sentiment, Trevor Chiliza wrote: “She got her talent here in South Africa, not Nigeria, so South Africa is very proud of you, Chidimma.”

Claris-Ann Horn-Human remarked, “You can tell she went to South African schools when she spoke English because the Nigerian dialect could never.”

Amid the divisive opinions, there were voices of compassion. Alex Sipho said: “I’m a South African, and I can proudly say I’m so happy for her. The bullying she went through was unjustified; she’s just a kid, for heaven’s sake.”