South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, has clarified that the recent citizenship controversy involving Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina, who has Nigerian heritage, does not affect the country’s diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
Lamola emphasised that the ties between South Africa and the West African nation remain robust and are continuing to deepen.
The incident in question arose when Chidimma Adetshina, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant.
Her withdrawal followed a home affairs investigation that suggested her Mozambican mother might have fraudulently obtained residency status in South Africa.
Addressing the situation, Minister Lamola underscored that the matter was strictly related to the eligibility rules of the Miss South Africa pageant and should not be seen as reflective of the broader diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
He stated, “Those are things related to that process and should not be interpreted to mean that it’s outside or it’s a reflection on South Africa’s foreign diplomatic relations with Nigeria.”
Lamola also highlighted the strength of cultural ties between the two countries, pointing to recent bilateral agreements in sports, arts, and culture as evidence of ongoing collaboration.
While acknowledging that challenges occasionally arise, he assured that such issues would be addressed appropriately.
Crispin Phiri, Lamola’s spokesperson, echoed the minister’s sentiments, describing the relations between South Africa and Nigeria as cordial.
Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs is currently investigating the specifics surrounding Adetshina’s registration as a South African citizen.
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