A South African Beauty Contest Sparks a Row over Who Counts as South African

A law student's bid to compete in Miss South Africa 2024 has sparked a debate about who qualifies as South African.

Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a non-South African model and beauty pageant contestant, has clinched a coveted spot as a finalist in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition. This has led to questions about her eligibility to represent the country in the international pageant.

South Africa's Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, has said that his department will not violate Adetshina's privacy by releasing her citizenship status. However, he has stated that the department will investigate the matter further.

Adetshina was born at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, but her parents are Nigerian. She has lived in South Africa her entire life and considers herself to be South African.

Some people have argued that Adetshina should not be allowed to compete in Miss South Africa because she is not a South African citizen. Others have defended her, saying that she has the right to represent the country because she was born and raised there.

The debate has highlighted the complex issue of national identity in South Africa. The country has a long history of immigration and many people have dual or multiple citizenships.

The Miss South Africa organization has said that it is investigating Adetshina's eligibility and will make a decision on whether or not she can compete in the pageant.