South African Group Petitions To Bar Nigeria’s Rep, Chidimma From Miss Universe Contest

Chidimma Adetshina is once again facing controversy in South Africa. Progressive Forces of South Africa, a local activist group, has filed a petition urging Miss Universe organizers to block her from competing in this year’s pageant.

Currently in Mexico representing Nigeria in the Miss Universe competition, Adetshina could be disqualified if this petition is successful. The petition, launched by Lebogang Shovhote on change.org, is titled “Chidimma Adetshina should not participate in Miss Universe.” In her message, Shovhote wrote, “We are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with you, Miss Universe, as an organization, to reconsider the contestant, Miss Nigeria Universe, and if possible, to cancel her entry.”

The petition follows an announcement by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, stating that both Adetshina and her mother’s identity and travel documents would be revoked due to alleged irregularities. At the time of reporting, the petition had gained 954 signatures, with a goal of reaching 1,000.

Adetshina, who won the Miss Universe Nigeria title after stepping down from the Miss South Africa pageant, was born in Soweto in 2001 to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother who later became a naturalized South African.

The petition accuses both Adetshina and her mother of identity theft and alleges that her mother, Anabela Rungo, committed fraud to obtain South African identity documents. The petition highlights the broader implications, saying, “We are greatly concerned about Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, whose mother, Anabela Rungo, was found guilty of committing identity fraud before participating in Miss Universe Nigeria.”

The petition also references the efforts of activist Kwena Molekwa, who reportedly worked extensively to uncover evidence of identity fraud and other alleged crimes connected to Adetshina’s family.

According to the petition, the Department of Home Affairs began its investigation after widespread concern on social media suggested that Adetshina may have obtained her South African identity fraudulently. The petition alleges, “Overwhelming evidence was shared on social media, especially X, where it was proven beyond doubt that Anabela Rungo stole the identity of a South African child, and the impact of identity theft had devastating consequences.”

It further criticizes the Nigerian Embassy for issuing a diplomatic passport to Adetshina, allowing her to escape to Nigeria and compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. This decision, the group argues, sparked backlash among South Africans who felt the Nigerian government was shielding individuals accused of criminal actions in South Africa.

The Department of Home Affairs, by court order, officially revoked the identities of both Rungo and Adetshina on October 29, 2024. The petitioners stated, “As Progressive Forces of South Africa, we are writing this letter on behalf of everyone who stands for justice to plead with you, Miss Universe, as an organization, to reconsider the contestant, Miss Nigeria Universe, and, if possible, cancel her entry.”

The group warns that Adetshina’s participation could harm the Miss Universe brand, emphasizing, “Miss Universe is known for granting a good platform to women from all walks of life to contribute positively to society while being the golden key to unlocking endless possibilities. We would hate to see the pageant lose its good image due to a contestant whose mother has been found guilty of stealing the identity of an innocent citizen. Not only did this contestant bring her own country into disrepute, but her participation in this iconic pageant would also bring Africa into disrepute. Throughout this, the contestant, her mother, the embassy of Nigeria, and the Nigerian government have been arrogant and have shown no remorse.”

The petition concludes with a request for fairness, stating, “Thank you for reading our letter; we hope you act in the best interests of all contestants and for justice and fairness.”

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG