Amanze Chinonye
Former Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina has vowed to continue challenging her immigration status in South Africa after a court postponed proceedings over her possible detention pending deportation until February 2027, Prime Business Africa reports.
Adetshina, who later represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant, spoke outside the Cape Town Regional Court on Wednesday after the matter was postponed to Feb. 27, 2027.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelShe said she remained committed to using the courts to resolve questions surrounding her citizenship and immigration status.
“Firstly, I’d like to say that I am grateful that I once again have been able to get an opportunity to have my faith in our courts,” Adetshina said.
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The case stems from a long-running dispute over her legal status in South Africa. Adetshina was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican origin and has maintained that her nationality and immigration status should be determined through due legal process.
She was arrested earlier this year in Cape Town after the Department of Home Affairs said its investigations indicated that she and her minor son were living in South Africa without valid immigration status.
Home Affairs has maintained that system checks showed Adetshina did not have lawful residential status and that she was therefore considered an illegal foreigner.
The proceedings before the regional court concern whether she should be detained while awaiting deportation, while a separate legal challenge over her status is before the Western Cape High Court.
Supporters of the March and March movement gathered outside the court on Wednesday, singing and awaiting the outcome of the proceedings.
Adetshina said she believed she had been unfairly targeted during the dispute but called for restraint and respect for the rule of law.
“I believe that I have been treated unfairly and targeted, and there has been an attempt to make me as an example,” she said.
“But my message is not going to be one out of anger. South Africa is governed by the rule of law, and we should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to determine how people are going to be treated,” she added.
She also called for the principle of Ubuntu, which emphasises shared humanity and solidarity, to guide public reactions to the case.
Adetshina said she had pursued all appropriate legal avenues and would continue to comply with the court process.
“Throughout this ordeal, I have availed myself of all appropriate legal recourse, and I will continue to respect and abide by each process,” she said.
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South African Court Adjourns Chidimma Adetshina’s Deportation Case Until August 19
The controversy surrounding Adetshina’s nationality intensified in 2024 when she became a finalist in the Miss South Africa competition. She withdrew from the contest following questions about her nationality and later won the Miss Universe Nigeria title.
She went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition, finishing as first runner-up.
The latest postponement leaves the legal dispute unresolved, with the question of her detention pending possible deportation set to remain before the courts while her broader challenge over her immigration status proceeds.
Adetshina thanked her family, friends, supporters and legal team for their continued backing.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
