EFF condemns ‘Afrophobic’ attacks against Miss SA finalist

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) asserts that the “Afrophobic” attacks on Miss SA 2024 finalist Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina are remnants of apartheid and colonialism, showcasing lingering divisive ideologies in society.

The 23-year-old has been a hot topic on social media. Despite being born in Soweto, Gauteng and meeting all the requirements for the beauty pageant, users questioned her right to represent South Africa as her father hails from Nigeria while her mother is from Mozambique.

EFF DEFENDS CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA AMID ATTACKS

In a statement, the Red Berets said Adetshina’s eligibility to compete for the Miss SA title should never have been questioned as the competition performed due diligence to verify the status of all contestants.

Secondly, the intense scrutiny and vitriol aimed at Adetshina reveal a continued colonised mindset among many South Africans. 

“This situation reflects remnants of apartheid and colonisation, where divisive ideologies continue to plague our society. It is particularly troubling that previous contestants of foreign descent did not face similar scrutiny when they were white or Asian, such as Vanessa Carreira, whose parents are Portuguese and Angolan, highlighting a blatant case of Afrophobia,” the party said.

Furthermore, the EFF said this anti-African sentiment is not limited to Miss South Africa contestants.  The party’s member of Parliament, Naledi Chirwa, born in South Africa, faces similar hatred despite her citizenship.

At the same time, Natasha Mazzone, a first-generation South African of Italian descent (both parents), does not warrant such outrage. This disparity highlights the pervasive Afrophobia within society, the EFF said.

“People of European, Indian, and Asian descent, who even hold public office in South Africa, do not receive the same level of abuse and scrutiny. Yet, Africans born in South Africa are pariahs in their land of birth,” the party said.

PARTY STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH VICTIMS OF AFROPHOBIA

Also, a petition calling for the Miss SA organisation to disqualify Chidimma Adetshina was launched and had garnered thousands of signatures before it was taken down.

Social media users questioned which country Adetshina will represent at the Miss Universe pageant should she walk away with the Miss SA title pointing out that she only embraces her Nigerian and Mozambican roots in all her social media accounts.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie who is well-known for his stance on illegal immigrants also said that Nigerians can’t compete in the Miss SA pageant. He said he wants to get all the facts before he comments after a video of Adetshina celebrating with her family was widely shared on social media.

The EFF said it stands in solidarity with Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina and all those who face discrimination based on their African heritage.