Summary of the Story:
- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have issued a statement defending Chidimma Adetshina amidst a wave of criticism.
- Adetshina, a Miss South Africa contestant, faces backlash over her Nigerian heritage.
- South African celebrities have rallied behind her following a viral video featuring her family.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have come out strongly in defence of Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina amidst escalating Afrophobic attacks on social media.
EFF on Chidimma Adetshina backlash: ‘SA is exposing colonised mindset’
Adetshina, who was born in South Africa to Nigerian and Mozambican parents, has faced criticism regarding her eligibility for the pageant due to her heritage.
In a statement, the EFF condemned the attacks, highlighting that Adetshina meets all the requirements for the competition and calling the backlash a reflection of a “colonised mindset.”
The EFF’s statement read:
“This situation reflects remnants of apartheid and colonisation, where divisive ideologies continue to plague our society.”
The EFF drew attention to the double standards applied to contestants of different ethnic backgrounds, pointing out that previous contestants of European or Asian descent did not face similar scrutiny.
“This is a blatant case of Afrophobia,” the statement added.
The party called on South Africans to introspect and address deep-seated prejudices, urging the public to support all Miss SA contestants equally.
EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys emphasised the importance of rejecting divisive forces and embracing unity:
“Let us build a future where all South Africans, regardless of their background, are respected and valued for who they are.”
SA celebrities rally behind Adetshina after viral video of her family
The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina took a new turn when a video of her celebrating with her family went viral.
The video shows Adetshina with her family, who are of Nigerian and Mozambican descent, sparking further debate about her place in the Miss South Africa competition.
Miss SA organisers confirmed that Adetshina meets all the requirements for the pageant.
This confirmation was echoed by several South African celebrities who rallied behind Adetshina.
Actress and DJ Pearl Thusi defended her, stating:
“She was born and raised in South Africa, therefore she is a South African. She can’t call Nigeria home, even though her parents may be Nigerian or wherever they may be from.”
Thusi highlighted the double standards in the treatment of Adetshina compared to individuals in other sectors, emphasising that the backlash is rooted in race and gender discrimination.
“If she was a white girl and she was half French, half something else, you guys might have never even noticed,” she argued.
The debate has ignited a broader conversation about South African identity and citizenship.
Critics argue that Adetshina’s win would only bolster negative stereotypes about Nigerians in South Africa.
Meanwhile, supporters, including EFF MP Naledi Chirwa, argue that she deserves to compete based on her South African citizenship and merits.
South Africa’s checkered history with xenophobia
South Africa has a complex and troubled history with xenophobia, marked by periodic outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals.
Studies have shown that xenophobic attitudes are deeply rooted in the socio-economic challenges and historical context of the country.
The country has seen numerous instances of violence and discrimination against foreign nationals, often targeting African immigrants.
These incidents have sparked international condemnation and calls for introspection and policy change.
A report by the African Centre for Migration and Society highlights that xenophobia in South Africa is often fuelled by competition for resources, unemployment, and a lack of social cohesion.
The study calls for comprehensive strategies to address these underlying issues and promote integration and tolerance.