Expert expresses concern that ‘South Africa is a xenophobic nation’
A reputation expert believes that negative publicity paints South Africa as a xenophobic country. Here’s what they have to say…
A respected reputational expert argues that the negative publicity portraying South Africa as a xenophobic country has not been effectively managed.
This follows the on-going citizenship debacle surrounding Chidimma Adetshina, reports The Citizen. Following her withdrawal from Miss South Africa, Adetshina is preparing to contest Miss Universe Nigeria and will represent the East African nation internationally if she wins.
Whether poorly managed or not, Adetshina’s withdrawal from the Miss South Africa contestant has once again shed a spotlight on the difference between permanent residence and citizenship. This has even escalated by Home Affairs, making a public ultimatum regarding impending South African ID document cancellations (mostly for illegal immigrants).
SOUTH AFRICA IS A XENOPHOBIC COUNTRY
Matseba urged event organisers to think of this as a cautionary tale. Any national or international events must verify the identity of all people involved. “McKenzie spoke about the issue and that raised an important debate. But it would have been much better if all the facts were at hand first. This has only prompted a preliminary investigation by Home Affairs and we’re still waiting for the final results. The young lady was caught in a storm that she did not create. But if it comes out that her parents manipulated the system to obtain South African citizenship it must be corrected,” said Matseba.