Welcome to the July edition of the Jollof x Amapiano series, which looks into the events defining Nigeria and South Africa and other things in between. It’s been a hectic week of ups and downs, with a special highlight on the two South African kids with Nigerian roots boldly chasing a prestigious South African beauty crown. Felicia Modúpẹ́ Lutendo Bajọmọ and Chidinma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina are my flag bearers for this month.
The Animal Farm
Felicia and Chidinma represent numerous South African kids with deep African roots. Dr Chioma Joyce Onukogu from the University of the Witwatersrand’s African Centre for Migration & Society call these kids second-generation immigrant children. Although these kids were born and bred in South Africa, a thick shadow of doubt cast over their South African identities, a net of suspicion spread by their fellow South Africans.
The experiences of these South African children bring to mind the paradoxical quote from George Orwell’s renowned Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”. If you’re an African immigrant in South Africa or a South African with a child of mixed black heritage, you’ll likely agree that it’s common knowledge that black bicultural kids often face stigma, abuse, and name-calling. I can recall numerous times when I’ve had to report my child’s teachers and classmates to school administrators for mocking his name or bullying him. This unfortunate reality highlights some of the ongoing challenges faced by children of diverse backgrounds in South African society.
Looking at social media debates on South African identity, it seems some citizens are viewed as “more South African” than others. As a Nigerian dad to a handsome South African son, I worry about his future and that of others with similar backgrounds in their diverse nation – a country known worldwide for its progressive and all-encompassing constitution. What lies ahead for these children in the rainbow nation that prides itself on inclusivity but struggles with complex questions of belonging?
Now, let’s look at the two Nigerian-South Africans on the South African beauty runway beaming with aspirations, enthusiasm and a strong zeal to represent a place they call home. Felicia made it to the top 30 queens, while Chidinma, despite facing intense backlash, has secured a spot among the top 13 finalists.
Felicitous Felicia
Felicia Modúpẹ́ Lutendo Bajọmọ is a super girl with overflowing beauty and a big brain. Bred under the sunny skies of Shayandima in Limpopo to a South African mum and a Nigerian father, Dr. Abiodun Sunday Bajọmọ – a passionate and accomplished dental practitioner.
Felicia is a 27-year-old master’s degree candidate at the Gillings School of Global Public Health in North Carolina, USA. Previously, she earned a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of Cape Town and a second degree in public health at the University of Pretoria. She is very passionate about the well-being and safety of children and adolescents in South African communities. Among the top 30 Miss South Africa for 2024, Felicia represented the Limpopo province.
Bicultural, Crown-chasing Chichi In A Colourless Rainbow
Chidinma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina is the girl in the eye of the storm. A black, bright, beautiful, 23-year-old, sport-loving, and Varsity College law student who has made it to the finalist of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. Now, she must demonstrate she is South African enough to wear the crown, despite her openly celebrated Nigerian roots. Her mixed heritage has sparked debate about her eligibility to represent the nation
It’s been a series of tough weeks for a gifted kid with Nigerian roots to prove her South Africanness. Chidinma Adetshina was born and raised in Soweto by a naturalised South African mum and a Nigerian father, Chief Michael Adetshina, aka Okey Wawa (Anu ka Enyi) — a first-generation Nigerian in South Africa, who has served in different capacities in the Nigerian community in Western Cape, South Africa.
For over a week, Chichi has been the centre of attention, both online and offline, in South Africa. I discovered the social identity controversy rather late. It was during one of my usual days scrolling through WhatsApp groups of Nigerian communities in South Africa. I noticed several articles about Chichi shared on the Nigerian Union South Africa WhatsApp group. The discussion about her was particularly intense on the Nigerian Citizens Association of South Africa (NICASA) WhatsApp group. Community members with personal connections to her family described her beauty and intelligence. Some recounted the glamour of her Cape Town wedding at Brooklyn Hall, while others praised her father’s generosity. Amid the heated debates among Nigerian WhatsApp users, the admin cautioned members against spreading hate or verbally attacking the host community online.
These Whatsapp groups are filled with articles sporting diverse titles and captions, from xenophobia to hate, cluttering the feeds. Many pieces questioned a 23-year-old South African woman’s identity. The xenophobia-related headlines caught my eye. Exploring X (previously Twitter), Instagram, and Google trends shows Chidinma consistently trending for days, illustrating how this courageous, resilient, and stunning black woman’s story has taken over South African and Nigerian online spaces. Internet users are actively sharing their thoughts on her background and identity across these platforms.
National identity and patriotism are sparking debate at the heart of this year’s esteemed Miss South Africa pageant. Online discussions primarily revolve around South African citizenship, patriotism, and South African nationalism. The core issue is whether Chidinma Adetshina, a heavyweight contender for the coveted Miss SA crown, truly embodies South African identity. Clearly, she is a fitting candidate – not based on personal opinion, but according to both the South African Citizenship Act and the pageant’s official guidelines. Chidinma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina is a genuine, qualified South African woman who is both capable and deserving of representing her nation, South Africa.
“…but me I swear, as long as Africa dey suffer,
Africa no unite,
No freedom,
No happiness,
No belonging
Them go hear pansa pansa!”
Translation: In Fela Kuti’s 1978 timeless hit Pansa Pansa, the iconic Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer declares that as long as Africa endures hardship, lacking unity, liberty, joy, and identity, its people will undoubtedly continue to face continued punishment.
From Pan-Africanism to Selective Xenophobia?
As Chichi proceeds to be the face of South Africa, a group of disgruntled South Africans set up a petition page to request signatures that will lead to Chichi’s disqualification from the competition, as they do not consider her a South African. In just over 24 hours, the Change.org page had garnered almost 10,000 signatures. The page has now been brought down.
The Miss SA crown controversy highlights South African nationalism within Pan-Africanism. With white and Chinese-South African contestants in the pageant, the Nigerian-South African contestant’s identity faces intense public scrutiny. This viral debate around Chidinma reveals a new form of racism in South Africa, termed Afrophobia by scholars. Whether labelled as black-on-black hate, selective xenophobia, or Afrophobia, this recent phenomenon in South Africa contradicts and disrespects the brilliant minds and legacies of our past radical Pan-Africanists. The singling out of Chidinma’s identity, while other non-black contestants remain unchallenged, exposes underlying biases and challenges the ideals of unity that Pan-Africanism promotes.
Reflecting on the remarkable legacy of Pan-African South African freedom fighters’ writings and speeches, it’s personally troubling to witness the current shift away from Pan-African ideals. This philosophy, also championed by black South Africans and spread throughout the diaspora, advocated for black unity and collective resistance against obstacles to Africa’s progress. Sadly, negative national psychological attachments have emerged, contradicting this noble vision. The echoes of national chauvinism, in contrast to healthy national pride, have become increasingly prominent. This trend stands in stark opposition to the original call for unity and shared prosperity across the African continent and diaspora.
Nevertheless, amidst the turmoil, it’s heartwarming to see numerous South Africans steadfastly supporting Chichi, firmly rejecting the surge of negativity. Prince KB, also known as Kabillion, is one of many South Africans openly backing Chichi, expressing his fervent desire for her victory. Julius Malema, a prominent South African political figure I admire, also spoke up for Chidinma during a recent EFF podcast. He stated:
“Your citizenship is determined by where you were born. So, if she was born here, she is South African. It doesn’t matter. She is not her parents; she is herself. So why do you say she’s from Nigeria or Mozambique? She was born here”.
“We cannot punish people based on where their parents come from.”
On the roots of the cyber attacks on Chidinma Adetshina, Malema said, it was “engineered by those who are spreading hatred among African people.”
“We should support humanity and everywhere else you find a black person”.
Statement From The Nigerian Community in South Africa on Chidinma Adetshina
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Union South Africa, Hon. Habib Miller in his statement to Lagostojozi Blog, said: “We, the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), are deeply concerned about the backlash faced by Miss South Africa contestant, Chidinma Adetshina. We stand against discrimination and xenophobia directed at individuals based on nationality. Chidinma deserves to be judged solely on her merits and character. We call on the pageant organizers, media, and the public to support all contestants fairly and respectfully”.
He went on to say: “We urge the community to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace cultural diversity. Chidinma’s participation showcases the positive contributions of Nigerians in South Africa. We extend our support to Chidinma and others facing similar challenges. It is our responsibility to foster mutual respect and understanding in our society.”
Conclusion: Nigeria and South Africa’s Social Intercourse And The Way Forward
On the hate flame surrounding Chichi, it’s easy to point fingers at the often puzzling conflict between Nigerians and South Africans. Clearly, leaders in both countries have a big job ahead to mend fences and build trust. As Africa’s most influential nations, Nigeria and South Africa must find new ways to foster respect and positive connections between their people. How well these two countries can solve the issues arising from their interactions will likely determine whether we can achieve the united Africa our ancestors dreamed of for us.
As we anticipate the climax of the 2024 Miss South Africa contest, I’m rooting for Chidinma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina to claim the title and represent South Africa globally. Her enthusiasm, radiant smile, upbeat energy, and elegance make her a strong contender for the next Miss Universe crown. Such achievements would undoubtedly send a powerful message to the world, affirming that South Africa truly embraces all its residents, regardless of their background or origin. Thank you for reading and please leave your thoughts below.
