AfriForum, a civil rights organization, has acknowledged a formal request from a group identifying itself as Concerned South African Citizens, seeking intervention in the ongoing citizenship and deportation dispute involving Chidimma Adetshina.
This request is recorded under case reference AFK41089, following the group’s report that prior communications to the Democratic Alliance and various government departments went unanswered.
The group is advocating for the consistent and transparent enforcement of South Africa’s immigration and citizenship laws, particularly by the Department of Home Affairs.
While AfriForum has not confirmed whether it will represent the case or pursue legal action, its acknowledgment indicates that the request has been received and documented.
The organization has stated that any future actions will be conducted through lawful and democratic channels, emphasizing the application of migration laws and accountability.
The dispute traces back to 2024 when concerns arose regarding Adetshina’s South African citizenship amid her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant. She withdrew from the competition following an investigation initiated by Home Affairs.
Subsequent statements from the department suggested evidence of potential fraud and identity theft associated with the individual recorded as Adetshina’s mother. However, they clarified that Adetshina, being an infant at the time, could not have been involved in such conduct.
Her South African identity and travel documents were subsequently revoked, labeling her a prohibited person. Adetshina later earned the title of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 and achieved first runner-up in the Miss Universe competition.
In June 2026, Adetshina was arrested on allegations of her unlawful presence in South Africa. Her legal team has challenged the immigration status ruling in the Western Cape High Court.
The Cape Town Regional Court has postponed the deportation proceedings to February 2027, awaiting the High Court’s review outcome. Adetshina has been instructed to stay at her current address and regularly check in with an immigration officer.
Adetshina asserts that she was born in South Africa and is actively seeking legal resolutions for her citizenship and immigration concerns.
The recent developments involving AfriForum have ignited discussions online, with some supporting the call for increased accountability, while others question the necessity of civil society’s involvement in a case already being addressed in court.
AfriForum has not disclosed any forthcoming actions at this time.
