The recent online vitriol directed towards Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina raises serious questions about the nature of nationalism and identity in our country. It seems that while some citizens celebrate the “golden girl” Tatjana Smith, who also boasts a foreign father, others are quick to condemn Chidimma, who has a Nigerian father and a South African mother. This discrepancy in treatment warrants a critical examination of not just xenophobia, but also the pervasive Afrophobia that lurks beneath the surface.
Both women are South African citizens, and yet the reactions to their backgrounds could not be more different. Tatjana is celebrated and championed by both the media and the public, while Chidimma is met with backlash and harsh scrutiny. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has eulogized Tatjana as “the greatest Olympian this country ever had,” yet he also implies that Chidimma gives him “funny vibes.” This juxtaposition speaks volumes about the biases that inform our perceptions of “foreignness” and belonging.
Chidimma, a proud South African, has disclosed her heritage openly. Her participation in the Miss SA pageant comes after thorough vetting, and all documentation has been confirmed as valid. Unfortunately, the stirring pot of nationalism has led to an explosion of hateful rhetoric against her, fueled by the rhetoric used by political figures such as McKenzie and Patriotic Alliance Deputy-President Kenny Kunene. Their brand of nationalism, while ostensibly intended to bolster pride in South Africa, often devolves into misplaced hatred and xenophobia.
Kunene has been particularly egregious in his comments, alleging that Chidimma is “not South African enough” and suggesting that her identity documents could be fraudulent. Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, he resorts to treating unverified social media claims as fact, thereby fostering an environment of suspicion and hostility. His remarks, tinged with a thinly veiled racism, trivialize the lived experiences of countless South Africans who, like Chidimma, have multicultural backgrounds.
The irony of the situation is that the very instances of discrimination that Chidimma faces can also be observed in larger societal trends. The general public needs to confront the uncomfortable truth: hostility towards foreigners or those with foreign lineage is often intertwined with broader issues of race and class in South Africa. Just as we celebrate the success of individuals who represent the country on international platforms, we must embrace the multicultural tapestry that characterizes our nation.
In conclusion, the contrasting public responses to Tatjana and Chidimma highlight underlying prejudices that must be confronted. Nationalism should not come at the expense of inclusivity and acceptance. Both women deserve recognition and respect, and any attempts to diminish Chidimma’s merit based on her heritage must be challenged. If South Africans truly want to rebuild a strong and unified nation, it starts with compassion and understanding, not division and hatred. The rise of Afrophobia, compounded with xenophobia, threatens our collective identity; it is time to reject this narrative and champion the diversity that makes us South African.
