Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina has been the centre of controversy, shadowing the pageant itself.
Chidimma, who is vying for the Miss South Africa 2024 crown, was born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent. Some, however, argue that she cannot represent South Africa because of her Nigerian heritage. The debate on the issue has ignited emotive conversations online that have bordered on xenophobia.
ALSO READ: Miss SA Finalist Chidimma Adetshina’s Father Causes A Storm Following His Interview
Officials Weigh In On The Viral Miss SA Contestant Chidimma Adetshina Saga
Days ago, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie controversially commented:
“We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I wanna get all [the] facts before I comment, but it gives funny vibes already.”
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber must clarify the citizenship issue so that Chidimma is not victimised.
But what does the South African law say with regard to citizenship?
Miss SA Contestant Chidimma Adetshina Saga: Focus On The South African Citizenship Law
Citizenship By Birth
According to the South African Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act 88 of 1995), a child born in South Africa after October 6, 1995, will be a South African citizen by birth if one of their parents was a South African citizen or had South African permanent residency at the time of the child’s birth.
Chidimma, who is also a law student, was born in Soweto and lives in Cape Town. Her father is Nigerian and her mother is South African with Mozambican roots.
A foreign child born in South Africa who is adopted by a South African citizen under the Child Care Act of 1983 and whose birth is registered in South Africa is also a South African citizen by birth.
A foreign child born in South Africa with no claim to another citizenship (stateless) can also become a South African citizen by birth. In these cases, conclusive proof that the child has no other citizenship or claim to any other citizenship is necessary.
Citizenship by Descent
A child born outside South Africa can claim South African citizenship by descent if at least one parent was a South African citizen at the time the child was born. The child’s birth must be registered in South Africa for this citizenship to be granted.
Citizenship by Naturalisation
Foreigners who want to become South African citizens can apply for citizenship through naturalisation.
Citizenship by naturalization in South Africa is a process that allows non-citizens to apply to become citizens. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:
- Permanent residency: Applicants must have been a permanent resident of South Africa
- Ordinary residence: Applicants must have ordinarily resided in South Africa for one year immediately before applying for citizenship and for a further period of at least four years within the eight years prior to naturalisation.
If married to a South African spouse, you must have two years of permanent residence and two years of marriage to the South African spouse before submitting the application.