A heated argument has started on social media after Mia Le Roux, a white South African, was announced as the winner of the Miss South Africa 2024 beauty pageant.
The problem arose when Chidimma Adetshina, a black woman born in South Africa to Nigerian and Mozambican parents, was disqualified after being trolled for her Nigerian heritage.
Chidimma, who became a finalist in the competition, withdrew on Thursday due to safety concerns for herself and her family.
Chidimma, born in Soweto, South Africa, faced criticism from some South Africans who said she was not a “true South African” despite meeting all the competition’s requirements.
Attacks on social media targeted her Nigerian roots, which led to her decision to withdraw from the competition.
In a statement on her Instagram page, Chidimma said, “I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown.
“Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.
“With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”
Nigerians have expressed anger and disappointment over how Chidimma was treated, sparking a bigger conversation about inclusion and diversity in the competition.
Many are questioning how Mia Le Roux, who was born to white parents, won over nine other black finalists. This has led to concerns about representation, discrimination, and prejudice in South Africa.
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy joined the conversation, criticizing South Africans who were against Chidimma’s participation, calling them hypocrites.
“So After ALL that.. ……. ,” he wrote, alongside the winner’s photo.
See post below for further details:
https://twitter.com/burnaboy/status/1822474432574578904?t=qGmU_ymM2CGhjpxxxArL9Q&s=19
See other reactions below:
panther_wakanda: “This explains everything you need to know about South Africa and this from a South African”
Nwafresh: “Mandela for just use that 20+ years he spent in jail for Fela Shrine”
JuliusAidelebe: “My second tattoo will definitely be a map of Africa with the South African part covered with this emoji .”
SciyandaSithole: “A South African citizen born and bred, with legitimate citizenship, she is not fraud!”
bzingers: “South Africans are so confused, they prefer whites to their fellow Africans… what a shame”
