South Africa has decided to revoke the national identity papers of Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contestant who faced controversy over her nationality, according to the government.

The 23-year-old law student withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant in August amidst intense criticism and allegations questioning her South African citizenship, leading to an official investigation.

On Tuesday, the government announced it would cancel both Adetshina’s and her mother’s identification documents after they failed to meet a deadline to justify their retention.

Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Adetshina encountered a wave of xenophobic backlash following her selection as a Miss South Africa finalist, highlighting ongoing anti-foreigner sentiments in the country.

The situation escalated to the level of government intervention, with officials investigating claims that her mother may have assumed the identity of a South African citizen.

According to Home Affairs Director General Tommy Makhode, Adetshina and her mother were given until Monday to provide reasons against the cancellation of their identification documents, but no response was received. “Therefore, the department will proceed with the withdrawal of those documents in accordance with the Identification Act,” Makhode stated to a parliamentary committee.

Adetshina previously cited concerns for her and her family’s “safety and wellbeing” as reasons for her withdrawal. After relocating to Nigeria in September, she was warmly welcomed and subsequently won a Miss Universe pageant. She is set to compete in the Miss Universe 2024 event in Mexico on November 16, representing Nigeria.

The rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria, both economic powerhouses on the continent, extends beyond pageants into various spheres including sports, music, and regional political dynamics.