South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ronald Lamola, has clarified that the citizenship controversy involving a Miss South Africa contestant of Nigerian descent does not impact the country’s diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
Lamola emphasized that South Africa’s relationship with Nigeria remains strong and continues to grow.
The controversy arose last week when Chidimma Adetshina, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant following a swift investigation. The inquiry suggested that her Mozambican mother might have fraudulently obtained residency in South Africa.
The incident sparked outrage among Nigerians and other Africans, especially after a Caucasian contestant was crowned the pageant winner.
Tensions between Nigerians and South Africans have escalated on social media following the event.
Lamola, however, stressed that the issue concerning 23-year-old Chidimma’s nationality was strictly related to eligibility and the Miss South Africa pageant rules.
“These matters are specific to that process and should not be viewed as a reflection on South Africa’s diplomatic relations with Nigeria,” Lamola stated.