Newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Vannesa Adetshina, has expressed her emotions about her recent struggles in South Africa.
Recall that she withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition due to controversies that trailed the nationality and allegations of identity theft leveled against her mother by the South Africa’s Home Affairs.
Chidinma revealed in an interview that she faced rejection from South Africans who felt she didn’t belong there due to her name.
She added that the experience was challenging for her, as she further highlighted issues of identity and acceptance in different cultural contexts.
“South Africans felt like I was not South African enough because of my name and it was really hard to see.
“It was a very horrible experience, and I would not wish it on anybody because I have lived there for 23 years.
“ It is heartbreaking to see that I was not welcomed and accepted”, she said.
When asked about the allegations of identity theft levelled against her mum, the beauty queen declined to comment on the issue.
“There were some statements that came out from Home Affairs with regard to my mom’s ID as well, and that is still a legal matter so I won’t comment on it.
“What I do know is that I was born in South Africa, and I am still South African, and I am still proudly Nigerian”, she said.
