The Department of Home Affairs revealed that Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina's mother committed identity fraud to gain South African citizenship. Following an investigation requested by Miss SA organizers, the department plans to pursue criminal charges against all parties involved. Public reaction is divided over Chidimma's participation in the pageant.
The Department of Home Affairs has uncovered that Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina’s mother committed identity fraud to gain South African citizenship.
This revelation emerged after the Miss South Africa Organization requested the department to verify Adetshina's citizenship on August 5, amid concerns over her eligibility.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber provided an update, confirming that Chidimma's mother engaged in fraudulent activities in 2001 when Chidimma was an infant. Consequently, Chidimma couldn't have participated in these unlawful actions.
The investigation also revealed that an innocent South African mother's identity was stolen, preventing her from registering her child.
The department is broadening its investigation to identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraud. Legal advice is being sought on the implications for Chidimma’s citizenship status, and criminal charges are planned against all parties involved upon the investigation's completion.
Minister Schreiber emphasized the need for blocking duplicate identity documents and the urgent need for digital modernization of Home Affairs' applications, adjudication, and verification processes.
This case, stemming from activities committed 23 years ago, underscores the necessity for reforms similar to those undertaken at the South African Revenue Service in the late 2000s.
The public reaction has been mixed. Some have called for Chidimma's removal from the Miss SA competition, citing fraud, while others have shown support, criticizing the undue attention on her and her family.
The Miss South Africa pageant is set to take place on Saturday at SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
