Chidimma Vanessa Onwe, a 23-year-old South African law student, faced criticism over her nationality after reaching the top 13 of the ongoing Miss South Africa (Miss SA) pageant.
Chidimma, who was born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother and raised in Soweto, has received a barrage of vitriol from some South Africans who believe she is ineligible to compete in the pageant.
Many social media users have pointed to her Nigerian heritage, claiming she is not a South African and should not compete in the pageant.
Others have questioned why the Miss South Africa organisation allowed her to compete.
Meanwhile, the Miss South Africa organisation has replied to xenophobic comments made about Chidimma on social media.
Speaking with press, the organization confirmed that Chidimma has met all of the conditions to compete in the pageant.
“All documentation provided by the entrants is screened and vetted,” the statement read.
“Chidimma is a South African citizen and has met all the requirements to be a part of the Miss South Africa competition. Her mother is South African (Zulu), and her father is Nigerian.”
According to Miss SA eligibility, Contestants for Miss SA must be South African citizens with a valid ID or passport. If the contestant has dual citizenship, documents for both must be made available.
Citizenship in South Africa can be obtained through birth, descent, or citizenship, according to a recent change to the Citizenship Act.
By birth, we mean any individual born in the country whose parents are permanent residents.
