Anti-immigration protesters gathered outside the Cape Town Regional Court, calling on Nigerian-born beauty queen Chidinma Adetshina to leave South Africa as her immigration case returned to court.
Chidinma Adetshina has come under renewed pressure in South Africa after protesters gathered outside the Cape Town Regional Court, demanding that she leave the country.
The protesters, reportedly including members of anti-immigration groups, carried placards and chanted slogans directed at Adetshina, including “It’s time to go” and “Chidimma, go home.”
The demonstration took place as proceedings concerning Adetshina’s immigration status came before the court, bringing her long-running citizenship and immigration controversy back into the public spotlight.
Adetshina was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother. She gained widespread attention in South Africa after participating in the Miss South Africa competition, where questions surrounding her nationality and eligibility sparked intense public debate.
The controversy eventually led to her withdrawal from the competition. She later represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant, where she emerged as the first runner-up.
Despite the renewed calls for her departure, Adetshina has maintained that she did not commit any wrongdoing. Her case has also fueled broader conversations about xenophobia, citizenship, identity and the treatment of African migrants in South Africa.
For Adetshina, what began as a beauty pageant controversy has evolved into a much bigger personal and legal battle over identity and belonging. Her supporters have argued that she should not be subjected to hostility because of her Nigerian heritage.
The latest protest has added another chapter to the controversy, which continues to attract attention in both Nigeria and South Africa.
The court has adjourned the matter, with proceedings expected to continue next year.
