Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina is a South African model and beauty pageant contestant who gained national attention as a finalist in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition.
She is a product of a culturally diverse background, with a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother.
Her journey in the Miss South Africa pageant, however, was overshadowed by a controversy surrounding her nationality, which led to her disqualification from the contest.
Early Life
Born in 2001 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, her father is of Igbo descent from Nigeria, and her mother is originally from Mozambique, but became a naturalized South African citizen.
There have been conflicting reports about her mother’s heritage, with some alleging that she might be of Zulu South African descent.
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Adetshina’s upbringing was influenced by her rich cultural heritage, blending Nigerian, Mozambican, and South African traditions.
Despite facing challenges related to her mixed heritage, Adetshina has always embraced her background with pride.
She provided documentation to confirm her birthplace and nationality when questions arose, further asserting her identity as a South African.
Education
Adetshina is currently pursuing a degree in International Relations at the University of Pretoria.
Her choice of study reflects her interest in global affairs and her desire to make a meaningful impact on the world stage.
Through her academic journey, Adetshina aims to equip herself with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for social change and promote cultural understanding.
Career
Chidimma Adetshina’s career in modeling began to gain traction when she entered the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant.
Her natural beauty, poise, and strong sense of self quickly made her a standout contestant, earning her a place among the top 11 finalists.
However, her journey in the competition took a controversial turn when questions about her nationality were raised, leading to her removal from the contest.
The incident sparked widespread debate about the criteria for participation in such national events and highlighted the ongoing issues of identity and representation in South Africa.
Personal Life
Chidimma Adetshina was previously married but divorced in February 2024. She is a mother to one child, balancing her personal responsibilities with her career aspirations.
Adetshina’s personal life has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, which have shaped her into a resilient and determined individual.
Her experiences as a young mother and a public figure have provided her with a unique perspective on life, which she often shares with her followers on social media.
Awards
In the realm of pageantry, Chidimma Adetshina’s most notable achievement was reaching the top 13 in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition.
This accomplishment is a proof of her dedication, hard work, and passion for the beauty and fashion industry.
Although her participation in the pageant ended prematurely, her success in reaching the top 13 highlights her potential and promise as a model and public figure.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @chichi_vanessa
Controversy
Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant was surrounded by controversy, primarily due to questions about her nationality.
As a contestant with a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, her eligibility to represent South Africa in the pageant was called into question.
This led to an investigation by the South African Department of Home Affairs, which sought to verify her citizenship.
The investigation revealed allegations that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman 23 years ago to secure citizenship for Adetshina.
As a result, the Department of Home Affairs considered pressing criminal charges against those involved.
Despite the controversy, Adetshina received support from many individuals who saw her as a representation of South Africa’s diverse population.
Prominent figures and organizations, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), defended her, condemning the xenophobic sentiments that had emerged and advocating for inclusivity.
The controversy intensified when a video surfaced online, showing Adetshina celebrating her progress in the pageant with her Nigerian family members.
This fueled further debate, with some South Africans questioning her eligibility, while others argued that her mixed heritage should not disqualify her from representing the country.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that the department would investigate Adetshina’s nationality, stating that the investigation was initiated at the request of her family.
The Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, was also drawn into the controversy when he was criticized for making allegedly xenophobic comments about Adetshina’s Nigerian heritage.
McKenzie later announced that he would personally investigate her citizenship and apologized if his comments were found to be unfounded.
The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) issued a statement in support of Adetshina, praising her as a true ambassador of peace and emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity in South Africa.
The controversy also attracted the attention of influential figures such as Prince Kaybee, Pearl Thusi, and Julius Malema, who shared their opinions on social media, further stirring the debate.
Net Worth
Chidimma Adetshina’s net worth is estimated to be around $72,000. While her financial earnings from modeling and pageantry are still modest, her participation in prestigious events like the Miss South Africa pageant suggests that she has a bright future ahead.
