Recently, tensions between South Africans and Nigerians have surged online, mainly due to the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant controversy.
The dispute escalated when Chidimma Adetshina, a finalist of Nigerian descent, withdrew from the competition after allegations surfaced involving her mother in fraud and identity theft.
Adetshina, 23, born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican heritage, faced intense social media backlash because of her Nigerian roots.
The situation worsened when South Africa’s Home Affairs Ministry began investigating, revealing potential identity theft by her mother. Adetshina decided to step down from the pageant to protect her family’s safety.
On Instagram, Adetshina announced her withdrawal, stating it was for her family’s well-being.
Her exit sparked a wave of reactions online, with South African singer Tyla expressing disappointment at how Adetshina was treated. Tyla criticized the bullying of Adetshina, but some South African users on X disagreed, accusing her of not understanding the situation fully.
After Adetshina’s departure, Mia Le Roux, a descendant of Dutch settlers and the first deaf woman to win the Miss South Africa title, was crowned.
Her win received mixed reactions; while some celebrated her achievement, others saw it as a reflection of ongoing racial tensions.
Nigerian artist Burna Boy mocked the result, adding to the controversy.
Nigerian social media users expressed skepticism about Le Roux’s victory, with some criticizing the racial dynamics of the pageant.
South Africans also debated the pageant’s inclusivity, with mixed feelings about the outcome and what it signifies for racial representation.
