Chidimma Vanessa Onwe, a 23-year-old South African law student, has faced backlash over her nationality after making it to the top 13 at the ongoing Miss South Africa (Miss SA) pageant.
Chidimma, born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, and raised in Soweto, has been subjected to a torrent of abuse from some South Africans who argue she is not qualified to compete in the pageant.
Many social media users have highlighted her Nigerian roots, asserting she is not a South African and should not be part of the pageant. Others have questioned why the Miss South Africa organization allowed her to enter the competition.
In response, the Miss SA organization addressed the xenophobic comments on social media regarding Chidimma.
Speaking to journalists, the organization confirmed that Chidimma has met all the necessary requirements to participate in the pageant.
“All documentation provided by the entrants is screened and vetted,” the statement read. “Chidimma is a South African citizen and has met all the requirements to be a part of the Miss South Africa competition. Her mother is South African (Zulu), and her father is Nigerian.”
According to Miss SA eligibility criteria, contestants must be South African citizens and possess a valid ID or passport. If the contestant holds dual citizenship, documents relating to both must be provided.
An amendment to the South African Citizenship Act states that citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, or naturalization. Citizenship by birth means any individual born in the country, provided their parents are permanent residents.
