There appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel for the former Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina.
Following her exit from the competition, her father’s native country Nigeria has provided her with a lifeline to compete at this year’s Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
The 23-year-old has been the subject of criticism in recent weeks after many people took to social media to share their objections about her being allowed to run for Miss South Africa while both her parents are foreigners.
Upon investigation, the Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber last week revealed that there was reason to believe that her mother may have been involved in fraud and identity theft which took place in 2001. At the time Chidimma was still an infant, and therefore could not have been involved in the alleged crime.
The news ultimately led to the model’s withdrawal just days ahead of the grand finale.
Taking to social media Guy Murray-Bruce, National Director of Miss Universe Nigeria reached out to Chidimma in an official statement, writing:
“We at Miss Universe Nigeria have been closely following the developments regarding your decision to bow out of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant.
“As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant. This is an opportunity to represent your father’s native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender.”
The organisation further added that should she desire to accept their offer the necessary steps would follow in due course.
Also see: Festival axes SA guests over Chidimma scandal