DJ Sbu, a well-known South African businessman and radiocaster, issued an apology after facing backlash for defending Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina.
Story Summary
- DJ Sbu issued an apology after backlash for defending Chidimma Adetshina.
- Celebrities like Pearl Thusi also faced criticism for supporting Adetshina.
- A petition to remove Lerato Kganyago from the Miss SA judging panel gained over 2,000 signatures.
- Department of Home Affairs’ investigation revealed prima facie evidence of fraud and identity theft by Adetshina’s mother.
DJ Sbu caves in as pressure mounts against SA celebrities
During Thursday’s morning show on Radio 2000, DJ Sbu expressed his regret and emphasised his support for young people’s success, admitting that his previous comments might have come off as arrogant.
He stated:
“I humble myself as the law is taking its course, and I apologise with no excuses to anyone I might have offended with my social media comments regarding the Miss SA matter.”
DJ Sbu’s apology came amid growing criticism directed at South African celebrities who supported Adetshina.
Another prominent figure, Pearl Thusi, also faced backlash for her passionate defence of Adetshina, insisting that she is South African and should be allowed to compete.
Thusi’s outburst on social media further fuelled the controversy surrounding Adetshina’s eligibility for the Miss SA pageant.
Meanwhile, a petition to unseat Lerato Kganyago from the Miss SA judging panel has gained traction, amassing over 2,000 signatures.
The petition arose following Kganyago’s defence of Adetshina, where she asserted that proper research had been conducted to verify Adetshina’s eligibility.
Kganyago’s comments were perceived by some as compromising the fairness and integrity of the competition, leading to calls for her removal as a judge.
Chidimma Adetshina faces disqualification ahead of 2024 Miss SA finale
The ongoing investigation by the Department of Home Affairs into Chidimma Adetshina’s citizenship status has uncovered prima facie evidence of potential fraud and identity theft orchestrated by her mother.
Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Adetshina has faced significant xenophobic backlash, with critics questioning her right to compete in Miss South Africa.
Pressured by public outcry, the Miss SA organisation approached the Department of Home Affairs to verify Adetshina’s citizenship status.
Minister Leon Schreiber, on Wednesday evening, delivered the preliminary findings, revealing that Chidimma’s mother might have committed fraud and identity theft 23 years ago.
While Chidimma could not have been involved as she was an infant at the time, the implications of this discovery could be far-reaching.
The Citizenship Act allows for the revocation of citizenship obtained through misrepresentation or fraud.
Given that Chidimma was a minor during the alleged fraudulent activities, the department might consider her a victim rather than a perpetrator.
However, if her citizenship is revoked, it could jeopardise her participation in the Miss SA finale, which takes place on Saturday, 10 August 2024.
The pageant organisation is likely to suspend her participation pending the investigation’s outcome.
The Department of Home Affairs has also indicated its intention to press criminal charges against all implicated parties.
If Chidimma’s mother is found guilty of fraud and identity theft, she could face imprisonment.
Chidimma, although less likely to face charges herself, may still face deportation if her citizenship is revoked.