Nigerian-born Miss South Africa finalist, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, has announced her withdrawal from the competition, citing safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members.

Chidimma’s withdrawal from the competition came on Thursday in a statement she personally signed and posted on her Instagram page amid the continued controversies surrounding her nationality ignited by the South African authorities, despite organisers’ certification of her qualification.

In the statement seen by SaharaReporters, Chidimma said, “I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown.

“Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.

“With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all of the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”

Born in Soweto, South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother who is of Mozambican descent, Chidimma’s participation in the competition and her rise to become a finalist in the competition has been a subject of controversy for some time as many South African have objected to participation, citing that she is not truly a South African.

Social media attacks have targeted her Nigerian heritage despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all competition requirements.

SaharaReporters on Wednesday reported that the South African government said that Chidimma’s mother may have been involved in identity theft.