In a surprising turn of events, Miss South Africa Top 10 finalist Chidimma Adetshina has officially withdrawn from the competition, citing fears for her safety and the well-being of her family. The 23-year-old contestant announced her decision just days before the pageant finale, which is set to take place on Saturday, August 10, at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
Chidimma, who has previously opened up about her struggles with mental health and past suicidal attempts, has recently been under intense scrutiny due to allegations surrounding her parents. Her Nigerian father and Mozambican mother have been accused of committing fraud and identity theft, which has led to widespread public and media attention.
In a statement released on her social media, Chidimma addressed the situation, expressing her gratitude for the experience while also explaining her reasons for stepping down. “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 from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and me,” she said.
She continued, “With the support of the Miss South Africa organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience. I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber’s statement, which revealed a preliminary investigation into the allegations against Chidimma’s mother. The investigation has sparked widespread controversy, leading to calls for Chidimma to step down from the competition.
Chidimma signed off her statement using her full name, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina. The post, shared on Instagram, had its comments disabled but was liked by the official Miss SA pageant account.
In response to the situation, the Department of Home Affairs issued a statement urging South Africans to refrain from fueling xenophobic sentiments and to respect the constitutional rights of all parties involved. “We call on South Africans to support our work by safeguarding due process, respecting the constitutional rights of all parties at all times, and refraining from inflaming divisions. By upholding these principles, we can rebuild the rule of law, together,” the statement read.
As the pageant finale approaches, Chidimma’s withdrawal marks a significant moment in the competition’s history, raising questions about the intersection of public scrutiny, legal issues, and personal safety in the world of pageantry.