The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant, has intensified with questions about her South African citizenship. Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent, Adetshina’s nationality has become a subject of scrutiny after the South African Department of Home Affairs announced an investigation into her mother’s citizenship status.
Ashraf Essop, an immigration lawyer, has clarified that Adetshina remains a South African citizen until Home Affairs completes its investigation and follows due process. The department’s probe has found preliminary evidence suggesting that Adetshina’s mother might have committed identity fraud in 2001. Despite these allegations, Essop emphasizes that citizenship cannot be revoked without a thorough legal process.
According to the South African Citizenship Act, a child born in South Africa is granted citizenship if at least one parent is a registered South African citizen. However, if both parents are citizens of other countries, the child typically inherits their citizenship. In Adetshina’s case, this would imply she could hold Nigerian or Mozambican citizenship, depending on her mother’s legal status.
Essop explained that removing citizenship is a complex process that involves clear legal procedures. The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act mandates that individuals must be given an opportunity to contest findings before any action is taken against their citizenship status. He emphasized that citizenship cannot be revoked by mere administrative action without following proper channels. The South African Constitution also upholds the right to citizenship and name upon birth, prohibiting statelessness.
“She is a citizen and remains a citizen until a proper legal process deems otherwise. If there’s an attempt to revoke her citizenship without due process, it’s crucial for her to seek immediate legal recourse,” Essop told TimesLIVE.
Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza stated that the department is engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including Adetshina’s mother, to ensure that the investigation upholds legal standards and the rights of all involved parties. “Our commitment is to restore and uphold the rule of law throughout this process,” Qoza said.
The controversy has also attracted the attention of political parties. The Patriotic Alliance is pursuing legal action against the Miss South Africa organization, seeking Adetshina’s removal from the upcoming pageant scheduled for this weekend. As the investigation continues, the outcome will determine not only Adetshina’s status but also set precedents for similar cases involving citizenship disputes. For now, she remains a contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant, with the situation still unfolding.
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In a significant and emotional moment, Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has unveiled his face to the public for the first time since his release. The announcement, made through a recent video release, has been met with a mix of surprise and support from fans and the broader music community.
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