“South Africans Rejected Me Because Of My Name” – Chidimma Adetshina Reveals

Chidimma Adetshina, the winner of the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, has shared her recent experience in South Africa.

The 23-year-old law student faced xenophobic backlash, leading to her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 competition due to her Nigerian heritage.

Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina grew up in Soweto.

In an interview with Silverbird TV, she revealed that she was rejected by some South Africans because of her Nigerian name.

In her words,

“It all started because of my name. People were not happy that my name is Chidimma and I am representing South Africa.”

“South Africans felt like I wasn’t South African enough because of my name. It was really sad to see and it was a very horrible experience that I wouldn’t wish on anybody.”

“I have lived there for 23 years and it’s heartbreaking to see that I wasn’t welcomed and accepted.”

“There were certain things that happened behind the scenes that made me withdraw. It was heartbreaking that I had to withdraw close to the finale but a decision had to be made and it hit social media as well.”

“But what I know is that I was born in South Africa and I am a South African. I am still proudly Nigerian as well.”