Kenny Kunene and Patriotic Alliance looking for legal ways to counter Adetshina’s Miss SA title run

Patriotic Alliance deputy leader Kenny Kunene has supported party leader and Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie’s views on Chidimma Adetshina’s eligibility for the Miss South Africa contest.

Adetshina’s background and her suitability to represent South Africa in the beauty pageant have been under scrutiny.

Kunene stated that the PA is exploring legal options to challenge Adetshina’s participation.

“Miss South Africa must embody the essence of a young South African woman,” Kunene remarked, expressing concern that Adetshina’s Nigerian heritage could compromise the competition’s integrity and objectives.

Adetshina is said to have been born at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent. She has faced significant social media scrutiny.

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Critics have questioned her eligibility due to her mixed heritage, particularly after a video emerged showing her celebrating with individuals dressed in traditional Nigerian attire, fueling claims she is not “South African enough” for the title.

“We cannot have Nigerians competing in our Miss SA competition,” McKenzie stated.

“I want to get all the facts before I comment, but it already feels off.”

In an interview with Robert Marawa, he reiterated his stance on national eligibility, saying his views would remain unchanged regardless of his political position.

“In 2068, I will still hold the view that no Nigerian, Zimbabwean, Italian, or American should become Miss South Africa. There’s Miss World for those purposes, there’s Miss Universe for those purposes.

“Miss South Africa is an ambassador for the country. She is someone who will promote our culture, our way of life to the world, and encourage people to visit our country,” McKenzie asserted.

Kunene echoed these views.

“Miss South Africa is meant to be a patriotic ambassador for South Africa wherever she goes in the world. She must embody what it means to be a young South African woman today and promote South Africa’s interests, especially in international pageants.”

Kunene also criticized the Miss South Africa organizers for supporting Adetshina’s candidacy.

“The organizers have been quick to legitimize Adetshina’s candidacy. However, video evidence shows her celebrating with her Nigerian family, indicating that they are celebrating her success as Nigerians, not South Africans.

“The arrogance and sense of entitlement of some Nigerians in South Africa have reached a point where a potential Nigerian candidate stands to be crowned Miss SA. South Africans may be excluded from a title that bears the name of South Africa,” Kunene said.

The debate continues as South Africa awaits the announcement of the next Miss South Africa next weekend at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

 

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