The South African government has intervened in the controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina's heritage, suggesting that her mother may have committed identity theft. The 23-year-old contestant for Miss South Africa has faced significant online abuse over her Nigerian background since being announced as a finalist in July.

The government's investigation into her citizenship, prompted by the pageant's organizers, revealed potential fraud by Adetshina’s mother, who may have stolen the identity of a South African woman after Adetshina’s birth. The home affairs minister, Leon Schreiber, confirmed these findings and indicated that the ministry is seeking legal advice on the implications for Adetshina's citizenship. Adetshina, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, did not participate in any alleged fraud as she was an infant at the time. The investigation is now also targeting any officials involved in the scheme.

Despite the controversy, Adetshina remains set to compete in the Miss South Africa finals this weekend. Her participation has sparked widespread debate and highlighted increasing anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa.