Chidimma Could Win Back SA Citizenship IF She Can Prove This (VIDEO)

The Department of Home Affairs recently revoked Miss Universe Nigeria winner Chidimma Adetshina’s South African ID and passport, citing issues related to identity theft and fraud.

Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Chidimma’s documents were canceled after failing to meet a deadline to prove her innocence.

Additionally, both she and her mother face criminal charges, as revealed by DHA officials.

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Is There a Way for Chidimma to Reclaim Her South African Citizenship?

According to immigration expert Stefanie de Saude Darbandi, there is a potential route for Chidimma to regain her South African status.

Under the Citizenship Act, she could apply based on her South African birth. For her application to be considered, Chidimma would need to show that she was born in South Africa, that her birth was registered under the Birth and Registration Act, and that she lived in the country until age 18.

Meeting these requirements could allow her to regain citizenship, though the decision ultimately rests with Home Affairs.

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Can Chidimma Still Compete at Miss Universe 2024?

Despite the citizenship revocation in South Africa, Chidimma retains her Nigerian citizenship through her father and remains eligible to compete at Miss Universe in Mexico on November 16.

With recent rule changes, contestants are no longer required to have been born or reside in the country they represent, allowing her to continue representing Nigeria without issue.