South African beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina has maintained that she was born in the country and says she has been unfairly singled out as authorities seek to deport her.
The 25-year-old is challenging a decision that declared her a prohibited person in South Africa. A legal case brought by the government seeking her detention was postponed on Wednesday, with the matter now expected to return to court in February 2027.
Speaking outside the court in Cape Town, Adetshina said she had followed the legal process to establish her citizenship and accused authorities of trying to use her case as an example.
“I remind everyone that I was born in South Africa,” she said. “I have applied through the proper legal channels to have my status and citizenship determined.”
She also warned against allowing xenophobia and misinformation to influence how people are treated.
