Former Miss South Africa contestant and Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 winner Chidimma Adetshina has spoken out after a South African court postponed proceedings concerning her immigration status and possible detention pending deportation.
The Cape Town Regional Court postponed the matter to February 27, 2027, saying it could not determine the issue while a separate review application concerning her status remains before the Western Cape High Court.
“I Have Been Targeted” – Chidimma Says
Speaking to journalists after Wednesday’s proceedings, Adetshina said she believed she had been treated unfairly but remained committed to resolving the matter through the courts.
She also reminded the public that she was born in South Africa.
“Firstly, I would like to say that I am grateful that I once again have been able to get an opportunity to have my faith in our courts, and I remind everyone that I was born in South Africa.”
She added:
“I have applied through the proper legal channels to have my status and citizenship determined. I believe that I have been treated unfairly and targeted and there has been an attempt to make me an example, but my message is not going to be one out of anger.”
Appeals Against Xenophobia and Misinformation
Adetshina urged people to allow the legal process to determine the matter, warning against xenophobia and misinformation.
“South Africa is governed by the rule of law and we should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to determine how people are going to be treated.”
She also called for the principles of Ubuntu to guide how people treat one another.
Case Moved to February 2027
The latest postponement means Adetshina will have to wait until February next year for further proceedings in the case.
Her legal battle centres on her immigration status and her challenge to the authorities’ efforts to deport her.
For now, the court has not made a final determination on her detention or deportation, with the outcome of the separate High Court review expected to influence the next stage of the proceedings.