Lifeline for Ex-Miss SA Finalist Chidimma Adetshina Amidst Citizenship Controversy
Former Miss South Africa 2024 finalist Chidimma Adetshina might still have a chance at securing her South African citizenship, despite recent challenges.
The Department of Home Affairs is currently seeking legal advice on her citizenship status after discovering potential fraud and identity theft involving the person listed as her mother in official documents.
Legal experts weighed in on the situation, raising concerns about the potential consequences for Adetshina, who is not believed to have been involved in any illegal activities.
Chidimma Faces Deportation
Stefanie De Saude Darbandi, an attorney at DSD Immigration Attorneys, explained that if the department finds Adetshina’s mother’s permanent residency and citizenship were fraudulent, Adetshina could be considered an illegal foreign national and deported. This is because citizenship by naturalization, which Adetshina was allegedly granted, requires a valid permanent residency permit.
“According to South African law, a prerequisite for citizenship by naturalisation, which we were told is how she obtained her status, is holding a valid permanent residency permit. We don’t know if Chidimma’s mother actually had permanent residency status, but this would have been one of the lawful requirements to meet. If her mother had lawful permanent residency at the time of Chidimma’s birth, then Chidimma’s citizenship might, in law, still stand. However, if her mother’s permanent residency and subsequent citizenship were fraudulent, then Chidimma’s status as a South African citizen is in jeopardy, potentially rendering her an illegal foreigner,” De Saude Darbandi said.
Also read: Miss SA 2024 Contestant Chidimma Adetshina Saga: What The South African Citizenship Law Says
Chidimma Adetshina Could Still Be Granted SA Citizenship
However, there may still be hope for Adetshina. De Saude Darbandi noted that South African citizenship law, particularly section 4(3) of the Citizenship Act, offers a safeguard for individuals like Adetshina. If she was born in South Africa, had her birth registered, and has lived in the country until reaching the age of majority, she may still qualify for citizenship, regardless of her parents’ status.
“If she was born in South Africa, had her birth registered here and has lived in the country until reaching the age of majority, she may still qualify for citizenship regardless of her parents’ status. This provision serves as a safeguard, ensuring that individuals who have established their lives in South Africa are not unfairly penalized due to bureaucratic errors or their parents’ actions,” De Saude Darbandi explained.