By: Natasha Archary
Sonke Gender Justice has condemned the utterance made by Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Gayton Mckenzie in relation to Miss South Africa 2024 finalist, Chidimma Adetshina.
The non-profit organisation says Gayton’s remarks regarding Chidimma’s nationality were irresponsible as a Minister, and falls within Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).
Responding to a social media user’s question regarding what his thoughts are about Chidimma’s father being Nigerian, Gayton made his stance against foreigners being allowed to enter the pageant known.
The newly appointed Minister said, “we truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition.”
Sonke Gender Justice is calling for Gayton to withdraw his remarks, and is calling out those who are promoting the online abuse and violation of Chidimma’s rights.
“The comments by Minister Mckenzie regarding Chidimma Adetshina’s eligibility to participate in the contest have not only subjected her to TFGBV but also pose a significant threat to digital democracy and the participation of women in public life.
Despite the Miss South Africa organisers confirming that Adetshina has furnished documents that confirm her citizenship, thereby qualifying her to participate in the pageant, she has continued to face criticism, backlash, and TFGBV because of her roots. It is also important to note that several Miss SA contestants with European, English, and Asian lineages have not been subjected to the same online violence directed at Adetshina.
In this regard, Sonke calls on Minister Gayton Mckenzie to:
- Withdraw the utterance he made on his X account that undermine Adetshina’s citizenship rights
- Call out those promoting the online abuse and violation of Aditshena’s rights
Sonke Gender Justice further calls on members of the public to desist from undermining Adetshina’s rights as a South African citizen and subjecting her to further TFGBV, abuse, and harassment, which is harmful to her and undermines the spirit of the constitution.”
Chidimma, a 23-year old law student addressed the black on black hate she has been on the receiving end of by stating that she was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and mother who is of Mozambican descent.
She is also sparking huge public debate by breaking stereotypes as a finalist in the Miss SA pageant who is a divorced, single mom.
A recent petition calling for the removal of Chidimma from the pageant is off the ground and has caused a heated debate online.
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