Tyla, the renowned South African singer, has publicly expressed her support for Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, who recently withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition amid controversy over her mother’s citizenship status.
“I will always stand with South Africa. Regardless of the opinions… She was bullied, and that’s what I don’t stand for,” Tyla tweeted, showing her solidarity with Chidimma. This statement came after being announced that Chidimma had been invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant despite her exit from the Miss South Africa competition.
Chidimma, a law student and Top 11 finalist in Miss South Africa faced harassment and scrutiny due to concerns regarding her mother’s citizenship. The situation escalated when the Patriotic Alliance, a political party in South Africa, initiated legal action against the Miss South Africa organization to have Chidimma removed from the competition.
While the Miss South Africa organization has not directly addressed the allegations against Chidimma‘s mother, they have requested the home affairs department to investigate. Preliminary findings suggested that her mother might have engaged in “identity theft” to obtain South African nationality, although Chidimma herself could not have been involved in any unlawful actions, as she was just an infant at the time.
Tyla‘s support for Chidimma has been evident. “Disappointed that this happened to her, but wish you all the best girl. Kill it!!!!,” Tyla tweeted, encouraging Chidimma to excel in the Miss Universe Nigeria competition.
This situation has ignited a national debate in South Africa regarding xenophobia and the treatment of individuals with foreign heritage. As the country confronts these issues, Tyla‘s support for Chidimma highlights the importance of standing against bullying and discrimination.