The Puebla International Literature Festival has announced the revocation of South Africa’s designation as the Country-in-Focus for this year’s event. The decision, made public on Thursday evening, also includes the withdrawal of invitations extended to South African guests. The move follows a controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina, a Miss South Africa finalist, who recently withdrew from the competition. The festival’s organizers cited the victimization of Adetshina and her family as a key factor in their decision.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), festival director Ikenna Okeh expressed regret over the situation. “It is with a sense of sadness that we acknowledge the distressing events in South Africa,” Okeh said. He criticized the climate of “mob rule” that has allegedly enabled the victimization of Adetshina and other immigrant communities in the country. Okeh emphasized that such circumstances undermine the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity, which are central to the festival’s mission.
The controversy began after South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) initiated a probe into the verification of Adetshina’s citizenship, following a request from Miss South Africa organizers. The investigation uncovered allegations of identity theft involving Adetshina’s mother, leading to further scrutiny.
DHA Minister Leon Schreiber clarified in a statement that Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother, as she was an infant at the time. “Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother, as she was an infant at the time when the activities took place in 2001,” Schreiber noted.
The Puebla International Literature Festival’s decision to withdraw South Africa’s Country-in-Focus designation underscores the complex interplay between cultural events and political controversies, reflecting ongoing tensions within the broader context of international relations and justice.
In other news – Explosion on Nigerian ivrerboat claims over 20 lives, authorities report
A tragic incident in Nigeria’s coastal state of Bayelsa resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people when a wooden boat caught fire and exploded on a river. The incident occurred on Wednesday, as reported by Bayelsa police spokesperson Musa Muhammed on Thursday.
The boat, which was transporting traders with goods bound for coastal communities, was engulfed in flames before exploding. The traders were making their routine journey between the coastal settlements and Yenagoa, the state capital. Read More
