Chidimma applauds the new Miss SA: ‘You represent us all’

Former finalist Chidimma Adetshina has expressed her support for the newly crowned Miss SA, Mia Le Roux.

Just days before the finale, the 23-year-old withdrew over concerns and questions surrounding her nationality.

Mia – the pageant’s first deaf winner – was crowned in a glittering ceremony at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. Nompumelelo Maduna and Onalenna Constantin were named her runners-up.

CHIDIMMA SHOWS LOVE TO MIA LE ROUX

While Chidimma Adetshina was notably absent from the Miss SA crowning on Saturday, she did send her well wishes to the new queen, Mia Le Roux.

She shared in an Instagram Story: “You represent us all. To make the excluded be included.”

She added: “All the best on your reign, queen.”

During her mission statement, Mia le Roux emphasised the importance of recognising differently-abled people in society, such as herself.

The model and marketing manager said after her crowning: “I am a proudly South African deaf woman, and I know what it feels like to be excluded.

“I know now that I was put on this planet to break boundaries, and I did it tonight.”

And it seems Chidimma has resonated with Mia’s stance, albeit in a different way.

The young woman – born to a Nigerian father and an alleged Mozambican mother – has been ostracised by South Africans on social media over her nationality. This follows a preliminary report by the Department of Home Affairs alleging Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft when registering her birth in 2001.

FROM MISS SA TO MISS UNIVERSE NIGERIA

Meanwhile, Chidimma Adetshina has been invited to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant following her early exit from Miss SA.

On its official social media accounts, pageant owner Guy James Murray-Bruce appealed to the young woman to represent Nigeria.

A statement read: “We acknowledge the circumstances surrounding your withdrawal and understand the challenges you may be facing. In light of these events, we want to extend our support and encouragement. 

“We believe that your journey in the world of pageantry is far from over. There are still numerous opportunities for you to showcase your talent, grace, and beauty.”

The pageant claimed that Chidimma was eligible to enter due to her Nigerian heritage on her father’s side. 

It continued: “This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage. We believe you would be an outstanding contender.

“We encourage you to consider this opportunity and take part in a competition that celebrates the strength, intelligence, and diversity of Nigerian women.”