Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, is facing a backlash from over 1,400 South Africans who have signed a petition to remove her from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant due to her Nigerian heritage.

Despite the controversy, Adetshina remains one of the top 13 contestants vying for the Miss SA 2024 crown.

Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, Adetshina holds a valid South African ID and meets the pageant's criteria. However, her decision to remove the Nigerian and Mozambican flags from her TikTok profile sparked outrage, with some accusing her of denying her heritage.

"I am proud of my heritage, and I will not let anyone dictate how I express myself," Adetshina said in response to the backlash. "My identity is complex, and I will not be defined by a single flag or nationality."

The petition against Adetshina also raises questions about her status as a divorced mother, despite the Miss SA pageant's updated rules allowing divorced and married women to compete.

The Miss South Africa pageant has confirmed that Adetshina meets their criteria and will continue to compete in the pageant. Adetshina's determination and resilience in the face of adversity have earned her support from many who see her as a true representation of South Africa's diverse heritage.

"I will continue to embrace my heritage and celebrate what makes me unique," Adetshina said. "I hope to inspire others to do the same and promote unity and inclusivity in our diverse society."