Welcome to the July edition of the Jollof x Amapiano Diary Series, which looks into the events defining Nigeria and South Africa and other things in between. It’s been a hectic week of ups and downs, with a special highlight on the two South African kids with Nigerian roots who boldly chased a prestigious South African beauty crown. Felicia Modupe Lutendo Bajomo and Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina are my flag bearers for this month. To navigate this article, you may use the table below:
The Animal Farm
Felicia and Chidimma represent numerous South African kids with deep African roots. Dr Chioma Joyce Onukogu from the University of the Witwatersrand’s African Centre for Migration & Society call these kids second-generation immigrant children. Although these kids were born and bred in South Africa, a thick shadow of doubt cast over their South African identities, a net of suspicion spread by their fellow South Africans.
The experiences of these South African children bring to mind the paradoxical quote from George Orwell’s renowned Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”. If you’re an African immigrant in South Africa or a South African with a child of mixed black heritage, you’ll likely agree that it’s common knowledge that black bicultural kids often face stigma, abuse, and name-calling. I can recall numerous times when I’ve had to report my child’s teachers and classmates to school administrators for mocking his name or bullying him. This unfortunate reality highlights some of the ongoing challenges faced by children of diverse backgrounds in South African society.
Looking at social media debates on South African identity, it seems some citizens are viewed as “more South African” than others. As a Nigerian dad to a handsome Nigerian – South African son, I worry about his future and that of others with similar backgrounds in their diverse nation – a country known worldwide for its progressive and all-encompassing constitution. What lies ahead for these children in the rainbow nation that prides itself on inclusivity but struggles with complex questions of belonging?
Now, let’s look at the two Nigerian-South Africans who were on the 2024 South African beauty runway. They beamed with aspirations, enthusiasm and a strong zeal to represent a place they call home. Felicia made it to the top 30 queens, while Chidimma, despite facing intense backlash, secured a spot among the top 10 finalists.
Felicitous Felicia
Felicia Modupe Lutendo Bajomo is a super girl with overflowing beauty and a big brain. Bred under the sunny skies of Shayandima in Limpopo to a South African mum, a dynamic nurse, Matevhu Constance Bajomo, and a Nigerian father, Dr. Abiodun Sunday Bajomo – a passionate and accomplished dental practitioner.
Felicia is a 27-year-old master’s degree candidate at the Gillings School of Global Public Health in North Carolina, USA. Previously, she earned a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of Cape Town and a second degree in public health at the University of Pretoria. She is very passionate about the well-being and safety of children and adolescents in South African communities. Among the top 30 Miss South Africa for 2024, Felicia represented the Limpopo province.
Bicultural, Crown-chasing Chichi In A Colourless Rainbow
Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina is the girl in the eye of the storm. A black, bright, beautiful, 23-year-old, sport-loving, and University of Pretoria law student who made it to the finalist of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. Despite her openly celebrated Nigerian roots, she had to demonstrate she was South African enough to wear the crown. Her mixed heritage has sparked debate about her eligibility to represent the nation.
It was a series of tough weeks for a gifted kid with Nigerian roots to prove her South Africanness. Chidimma Adetshina was born and raised in Soweto by a naturalised South African mum, Anabela Rungo from Mozambique, and a Nigerian father, Michael Okechukwu Adetshina, aka Okey Wawa (Anu ka Enyi) who hails from Enugu state, Nigeria — a first-generation Nigerian in South Africa, who has served in different capacities in the Nigerian community, including the Ohaneze Ndigbo organization in the Western Cape, South Africa.
For many weeks, Chichi has been the centre of attention in South Africa, both online and offline. I discovered the social identity controversy rather late. It was during one of my usual days scrolling through WhatsApp groups of Nigerian communities in South Africa. I noticed several articles about Chichi shared on the Nigerian Union South Africa WhatsApp group. The discussion about her was particularly intense on the Nigerian Citizens Association of South Africa (NICASA) WhatsApp group. Community members with personal connections to her family described her beauty and intelligence. Some recounted the glamour of her Cape Town wedding at Brooklyn Hall, while others praised her father’s generosity. Amid the heated debates among Nigerian WhatsApp users, the admin cautioned members against spreading hate or verbally attacking the host community online.
These Whatsapp groups are filled with articles sporting diverse titles and captions, from xenophobia to hate, cluttering the feeds. Many pieces questioned a 23-year-old South African woman’s identity. The xenophobia-related headlines caught my eye. Exploring X (previously Twitter), Instagram, and Google trends shows Chidimma consistently trending for weeks, illustrating how this courageous, resilient, and stunning black woman’s story has overtaken South African and Nigerian online news spaces. Internet users actively share their thoughts on her background and identity across these platforms.
National identity and patriotism are sparking debate at the heart of this year’s esteemed Miss South Africa pageant. Online discussions primarily revolve around South African citizenship, patriotism, and South African nationalism. The core issue is whether Chidimma Adetshina, a heavyweight contender for the coveted Miss SA crown, truly embodies South African identity. Clearly, she is a fitting candidate – not based on personal opinion, but according to both the South African Citizenship Act and the pageant’s official guidelines. Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina is a genuine, qualified South African woman who is both capable and deserving of representing her nation, South Africa.
“…but me I swear, as long as Africa dey suffer,
Africa no unite,
No freedom,
No happiness,
No belonging
Them go hear pansa pansa!”
Translation: In Fela Kuti’s 1978 timeless hit Pansa Pansa, the iconic Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer declares that as long as Africa endures hardship, lacking unity, liberty, joy, and identity, its people will undoubtedly continue to face continued punishment.
From Pan-Africanism to Selective Xenophobia?
As Chichi proceeded to be the face of South Africa, a group of disgruntled South Africans set up a petition page to request signatures leading to Chichi’s disqualification from the competition, as they do not consider her a South African. In just over 24 hours, the Change.org page had garnered almost 10,000 signatures. The page has now been brought down.
What lies ahead for these children in the rainbow nation that prides itself on inclusivity but struggles with complex questions of belonging?
The Miss SA crown controversy highlights South African nationalism within Pan-Africanism. With white and Chinese-South African contestants in the pageant, the Nigerian-South African contestant’s identity faces intense public scrutiny. This viral debate around Chidimma reveals a new form of racism in South Africa, termed Afrophobia by scholars. Whether labelled as black-on-black hate, selective xenophobia, or Afrophobia, this recent phenomenon in South Africa contradicts and disrespects the brilliant minds and legacies of our past radical Pan-Africanists. The singling out of Chidimma’s identity, while other non-black contestants remain unchallenged, exposes underlying biases and challenges the ideals of unity that Pan-Africanism promotes.
Reflecting on the remarkable legacy of Pan-African South African freedom fighters’ writings and speeches, it’s personally troubling to witness the current shift away from Pan-African ideals. This philosophy, also championed by black South Africans and spread throughout the diaspora, advocated for black unity and collective resistance against obstacles to Africa’s progress. Sadly, negative national psychological attachments have emerged, contradicting this noble vision. The echoes of national chauvinism, in contrast to healthy national pride, have become increasingly prominent. This trend starkly opposes the original call for unity and shared prosperity across the African continent and diaspora.
For And Against Chidimma Onwe Vannessa Adetshina
Many South Africans hold differing opinions regarding Chidimma Onwe Vannessa Adetshina; some strongly support her, while many others firmly oppose her South African identity. I have listed below the views of some prominent South Africans on the South African beauty queen, Chichi.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, added fuel to the hate flame on Chidimma Adetshina on Twitter (now X) by tweeting: “I just returned from Paris and will definitely get more information. We truly cannot have Nigerians competing in our Miss SA competition. I want to get all the facts before I comment, but it gives funny vibes already,”.
Naledi Chirwa, a South African feminist, EFF legislator and delegate to the South African National Council of Provinces, responded to McKenzie. She said: “You don’t respect South African laws. You are not ‘patriotic’ at all. You don’t know the South African constitution. You don’t respect the South African governance office at executive level. You do not know South African history,” “It is always black women that you target and bully. Everybody else gets a pass. White men get a pass. White women get a pass. Black men get a pass. You hate black women.
“Black women’s history matters. Our lineage matters. The children we birth are ours too.”, she said.
Not surprising, the leader of ActionSA, Herman Mashaba, who is known for speaking out against Nigerians and other African immigrants in South Africa, also tweeted: “This young woman is compromising herself by identifying with characters who are likely in South Africa illegally. Bad idea,”.
Nevertheless, amidst the turmoil, it’s heartwarming to see numerous South Africans steadfastly supporting Chichi, firmly rejecting the surge of negativity. Prince KB, also known as Kabillion, is one of many South Africans openly backing Chichi, expressing his fervent desire for her victory.
Pearl Thusi, a respected South African Dj and actress has also contributed to the debate. In a video that went viral, Pearl defended Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina. She said: “I think it is really problematic. As soon as she was born in South Africa, she was South African, effective immediately. It is what it is. She is born in South Africa, raised in South Africa, therefore, she is South African. She can’t call Nigeria home. That is beside the point.” Pearl Thusi further lashed out at throlls saying: “If she was a white girl and her parents were French, you would have never noticed. But because her name is what it is, now it’s a big deal.“This girl has to suffer because she is black, and she’s female, and it’s a pageant.”
Additional South African celebrities voicing support for Chidimma Vannessa Onwe Adetshina include Prof Thuli Madonsela, a South African advocate and professor of law; Somizi Mhlongo, a media personality and TV host; Dj Sbu, a social entrepreneur and motivational speaker; and Lerato Kganyago, an actress and model. Meanwhile, Mr Fikile Mbalula, the African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General, has called on Miss SA organizers and Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, to address the ongoing sensitive national debate. He emphasized the importance of protecting Chidimma from further online harassment by South African trolls.
Julius Malema, a prominent and outspoken South African political figure I admire, also spoke up for Chidimma during a recent EFF podcast. He stated:
“Your citizenship is determined by where you were born. So, if she was born here, she is South African. It doesn’t matter. She is not her parents; she is herself. So why do you say she’s from Nigeria or Mozambique? She was born here”.
“We cannot punish people based on where their parents come from.”
On the roots of the cyber attacks on Chidimma Adetshina, Malema said, it was “engineered by those who are spreading hatred among African people.”
“We should support humanity and everywhere else you find a black person”.
Statement From The Nigerian Community in South Africa on Chidimma Adetshina
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Union South Africa, Hon. Habib Miller, in his statement to Lagostojozi Blog, said: “We, the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), are deeply concerned about the backlash faced by Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adetshina. We stand against discrimination and xenophobia directed at individuals based on nationality. Chidimma deserves to be judged solely on her merits and character. We call on the pageant organizers, media, and the public to support all contestants fairly and respectfully”.
NUSA said: “We urge the community to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace cultural diversity. Chidimma’s participation showcases the positive contributions of Nigerians in South Africa. We extend our support to Chidimma and others facing similar challenges. Our responsibility is to foster mutual respect and understanding in our society.”
Nigeria and South Africa’s Social Intercourse And The Way Forward
On the hate flame surrounding Chichi, it’s easy to point fingers at the often puzzling conflict between Nigerians and South Africans. Clearly, leaders in both countries have a big job ahead to mend fences and build trust. As Africa’s most influential nations, Nigeria and South Africa must find new ways to foster respect and positive connections between their people. How well these two countries can solve the issues arising from their interactions will likely determine whether we can achieve the united Africa our ancestors dreamed of for us.
As we anticipated the climax of the 2024 Miss South Africa contest, without an iota of doubt, I rooted for Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina to claim the title and represent South Africa globally. Her enthusiasm, radiant smile, upbeat energy, and elegance make her a strong contender for the next Miss Universe crown. Such achievements would have undoubtedly sent a powerful message to the world, affirming that South Africa truly embraces all its residents, regardless of their background or origin. Nevertheless, let’s watch her steady excellence, which I’ll track at the Miss Universe Nigeria competition. Thanks for reading, and please share your views in the comments.
FAQs on Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina
1. What is the difference between Chidinma and Chidimma?
It’s quite straightforward; these are two distinct Igbo names. Chidinma translates to “God is Good,” whereas Chidimma means “God is Beautiful,” highlighting their unique Igbo meanings and significance.
2. Who are Chidimma Onwe Adetshina’s parents?
Chidinma Adetshina’s mother’s name is Anabela Rungo, a naturalized South African with Mozambican roots, while Chidimma’s father, Michael Okechukwu Adetshina, also known as Okey Wawa, is a Nigerian from the Igbo stock.
3. Where was Chidimma Onwe Adetshina born?
Chidimma Adetshina was born in South Africa, in Soweto township, at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, recognized as the world’s third-largest medical facility.
4. How old is Chidimma Onwe Adetshina?
Chidimma Adetshina is 23 years old.
5. Who is Michael Adetshina?
Michael Okechukwu Adetshina, known as Okey Wawa among Nigerians in South Africa, is the father of Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, one of the 2024 Miss South Africa finalists. A first-generation Nigerian immigrant, Michael has played various roles in the Nigerian community in the Western Cape. His daughter, a South African model, represents the cultural blend of their family’s heritage. Michael is from Enugu state in Nigeria.
Photo Gallery of Chidimma Adetshina
A collection of images showcasing the beauty of the supermodel Chidimma Vannesa Onwe Adetshina and her pet project as the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024.
This is my first read on lagostojozi and I have enjoyed the read.
On the issues around residency, ethnicity or nationality in the South African society, it is as multidimensional as South Africa is multi racial, with more emerging.
There is strength in diversity, which expands talent pool. The sooner they learn how to harness this instead of killing it, the betters. Nationalism never delivers anything good.
I am rooting for Nigeria and South Africa!!!
I absolutely share your views sir. Diversity is definitely strength when harnessed. And this strength is a sure-fire path to equitable, sustainable and a prosperous future, not just as a message for South Africa but for the entire continent! Thank you so much for reading Lagostojozi Blog, sir. Please stay tuned with us as we publish evergreen content on issues and events around South Africa and Nigeria. May God bless Africa!
What a great and interesting piece full of facts! We Africans must strive to do better , ❤️
Off and online, you warm my heart with your words! Thank you for reading Shade xx
Beautiful write up. It’s quiet unfortunate that in 2024 someone with a south african mother and nigerian father is considered not “South African enough”. I hope the bullying stops and we all unite as one
Thank you so much for sharing your views Mosun. In all of the drama, I think the bullying was the most unfortunate. It was heavy! Societies need to understand that nothing good comes out of bullying but negativity, which creates more problems.
So so sad. What hatred is this. We are all one. No one should every experience such rasism. If the criteria is they need to be south african to enter, fine, but that means either born here or become a citizen, then she meets requirements and so as a south african she has the right to contest the same as everyone else who meets the competition requirements. I sure hope a lot of people get behind her. Every south african deserves a fair go.
I absolutely share your sentiment, Indi. The outpouring of the hate was on a scale that is absolutely unnecessary. May Africa be healed! Thank you so much for dropping your views, Indi.
Black on blacl hate has no room in this beautiful rainbow nation. Instead of fostering inclusivity. Ignorant people want to drive Africans apart and cause a divide among us Africans.
I am of the same mind with you on this, Kyber. Africa shall stand strong and tall and remain one, irrespective of these sad events. We shall overcome
Thank you for such a balanced well-written article not the vitriol that often comes out of our two countries bashing one or the other country. However, you left an important detail. Chichi didn’t have the South African flag in her bio for entering Miss South Africa. It had the Mozambican and Nigerian flag something which started this whole thing! When a similar scandal broke out around Vanessa Carreira, she was not found wanting. Her bio had a South African flag! She was able to show videos of herself helping children in primary schools in South Africa and with the South African national flag etc. It is possible that the later had a media team which anticipated the storm around her participation while the former seems to have none at all!
On a related matter, I do think that we need to start discussion groups using available social media to discuss matters of interest between Nigerians and South Africans with less emotion. The two nations no longer understand each other and its dangerous. Obasanjo and Mbeki had gotten us to a certain level and now things have fallen apart!
Thank you very much for taking the time to drop your views, Bangani. In its many shades, Chichi’s story will surely go down the annals of history as another marking point of our countries’ relations. Undoubtedly, things have fallen apart since Obasanjo-Mbeki’s years, and in my opinion, the relationship between the two African giants has become epileptic because it was earlier built around the friendship of those personalities, which is not sustainable or sufficient to keep nations bonded – but rather strong institutions. All is not lost yet, though. Let’s watch the new chaps on the block – Bola and Cyril. Discussion groups with less emotion are an amazing way to promote positive people-to-people cohesion. Awesome!
This was very insightful, thank you.
Thanks for your kind comment Zan!
Amandla!!
She has withdrawn herself as I’m writing now because her mother was an illegal foreigner just like her father and her mother fraudulently obtained her the South African Identity Document. I think the young girl knew about the situation before she entered but she was taking a chance, otherwise, who put a profile on her behalf that she was born and raised in Soweto when she can’t speak 1 indigenous South African language, not even schoolmates who come forwad and back her that they know her and not even neighbours on that matter? Some of those celebrities you’re talking about like DJ Sbu have come forwad and apologised to South Africans for having took the side of this girl as it came out that she has a fraudulent ID. If we are being honest, the only people we should be empathising with in this matter is the mother of the child who couldn’t register her own truly South African child as as a South African, including the child itself only because Chichi had to live a good life on that child’s expense. There was nothing South African about Chichi, she celebrated her progress to pageant finals with Nigerians, she displayed Nigerian and Mozambican flags on her bio and no South African flag for the competition in it. She just saw a chance and just wanted to benefit on it using South Africa. If she would have won and went further to win Miss Universe and got to be SA’s Ambassador, would she have been 100% for South Africa’s case there and not think twice or trice?🤔 There’s nothing xenophobic or Afro-what what about it, people saw something suspicious and raised alarm. The similar thing happened for a white Vanessa Carreira in the 2001 pageant as it is on Chichi, there’s no black on black hate here. Those celebrities talking about “she was born in SA therefore she is a South African,” don’t know their own country’s laws and it’s worse when you’re even a politician but don’t know your country’s laws around this issue in particular. South Africa is not USA.
I respect and thank you for your views, Bhungane
Thank you for this well thought out piece. You did an excellent job of telling the stories of these women and highlighting how we, South Africans have failed them (and others.) I love that you’re challenging the system and reminding us of Pan-African principles. We ought to do better!!