“We Can’t Have Nigerians Compete in Miss SA” – South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Says

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has addressed the debate surrounding Miss SA 2024 pageant finalist Chidimma Adetshina’s eligibility to compete in the contest.

The competition has been plagued by xenophobic backlash directed at the 23-year-old Soweto-born law student and model due to her nationality.

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Chidimma is the daughter of a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent.

A viral video of Chidimma celebrating with the Nigerian members of her family surfaced online, sparking further outrage. Many South Africans have called for her disqualification from the competition.

Responding to a question by an X user, Chris Excel, who asked how he feels about Chidimma and the viral video, the minister stated that Nigerians cannot compete in the pageant.

McKenzie, however, mentioned that he would gather all the facts before making further comments.

“I just returned from Paris and will definitely get more information tomorrow. We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I want to get all the facts before I comment, but it already gives off funny vibes,” McKenzie said.

The minister also noted that the recent video of Chidimma with other Nigerians raised ‘legitimate suspicion’ when criticized by a social media user.

“You want me to ignore people that voted for me? You want me to ignore a legitimate question? I will get the facts and return with an answer. This is not gossip; that video raises legitimate suspicion,” McKenzie added.