Chidimma Adetshina’s success should be a reason to celebrate SA’s diverse heritage
The SA Citizenship Act of 1995 outlines the criteria for citizenship, which were revised after January 2013. The act now uniformly grants citizenship to individuals born to an SA citizen, regardless of where they are born.
Before this change, the law distinguished between those born within and outside the country. Before January 2013, a child born abroad to an SA parent was entitled to citizenship by descent, whereas those born in SA to a citizen or permanent resident were automatically citizens.
After the 2013 amendments, children born in SA to permanent resident permit holders are classified as foreigners unless one parent is an SA citizen, and they qualify for citizenship status only at the age of 18. Moreover, citizenship by descent is now limited to children adopted under the Children’s Act, emphasising that one parent must be an SA citizen at the time of adoption.
We should allow Adetshina and her family to celebrate her achievement without undue scrutiny
SA also maintains a flexible stance on dual or multiple citizenships. The Citizenship Act requires South Africans to obtain prior written consent from the home affairs minister when acquiring another citizenship through naturalisation, excluding cases involving marriage or minors.
The “automatic loss” provision, where citizens lose their status if they obtain foreign citizenship without consent, was challenged by the DA in the Supreme Court of Appeal. We await the Constitutional Court`s confirmation of its ruling, which aligns with the DA’s push for more inclusive and transparent citizenship laws.
Citizenship is more than a legal designation; it embodies a connection to one’s nation, culture and heritage. For many, holding dual or multiple citizenships is practical, offering benefits such as easier travel and broader opportunities. It does not diminish their identity or loyalty to their country of origin.
Since being announced as a Miss SA contestant on July 1, Chidimma Adetshina has faced intense scrutiny, including accusations of favouritism towards Nigeria after a video showed her celebrating with Nigerian relatives. But why should this be an issue? It’s natural to share successes with loved ones, regardless of their nationality.
Perhaps Adetshina is sharing these moments with her Nigerian family because she takes pride in showing them how she is also representing their heritage on an international stage. After all, Trevor Noah shared his achievements with his Swiss father on finding success in the US.
Adetshina has proudly declared: “I am proudly South African and Nigerian,” symbolising peace and unity. This duality should be respected, as it embodies the spirit of inclusivity and the celebration of

diverse cultural identities. Her actions highlight the positive expression of dual identity, fostering a sense of connection and pride across borders.
For many years Africa has been working towards greater unity, including developing a pan-African passport to enable visa-free travel across the continent. This aligns with the EU model, fostering co-operation and unity. Instead of harbouring suspicions, we should embrace our shared heritage and be more welcoming to all Africans. Adetshina’s dual identity can serve as a positive example of this unity.
Adding to the complexity, sport, arts & culture minister Gayton McKenzie has called for an “investigation” into Adetshina’s national allegiance, reflecting broader societal tensions about national identity and xenophobia.
The EFF has condemned the “Afrophobic” scrutiny she faces, noting that past Miss SA contestants with foreign parents of white or Asian descent have not encountered a similar backlash. This disparity reveals a deeper xenophobic undercurrent, often worsened by socioeconomic issues such as unemployment and crime, which have fuelled movements such as Operation Dudula that target African immigrants.
Adetshina meets all of the requirements to be a contestant in Miss SA, which include being an SA citizen. While the department of home affairs’ records are not always infallible, they do not hastily grant citizenship status. Should there be any error, the department would need to prove it.
Nonetheless, the law is clear: if Adetshina’s mother was an SA citizen or a permanent residence permit holder at the time of her birth, she is an SA citizen by law, regardless of any clerical errors or public debate. We must all respect the law, which affirms her citizenship.
As the debate about Adetshina continues, it serves as a critical reminder to celebrate SA’s diverse heritage and uphold the principles of unity and diversity that define our nation. It is essential to focus on inclusivity and respect for the legal framework that governs citizenship.
We should allow Adetshina and her family to celebrate her achievement without undue scrutiny. Rather than questioning her nationality, we should focus on the excitement and joy the Miss SA pageant brings. This event is an opportunity to showcase the beauty, talent and diversity of our country. It highlights the strength and resilience of SA women, uniting us in a celebration of shared values and aspirations.
Let’s embrace this spirit of unity and pride, cheering on all contestants as they represent the multifaceted culture and vibrancy of our nation V.5532

One of the highlighted topics: Critical Skills Visa.

- Key Insight: Is your profession on the Critical Skills List? This visa is your fast track to working in South Afr...
- This matter relates to critical skills visa and its broader implications.
- Individuals are advised to seek professional guidance.

Is your profession on the Critical Skills List? This visa is your fast trac V.6139
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One of the applicants, Phindile Mazibuko, became a victim of identity theft in 2012 when fraudulent transactions occurred, using her personal details.

-The Pretoria High Court found that the department of home affairs had violated constitutional rights without due process.
-Only half of Lawyers for Human Rights` test group has been unblocked, while 385 000 identities remain blocked nationwide.
-LHR appeals extension, urges affected people to seek help now.

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) are intensifying pressure on the department of home affairs over the national ID-blocking crisis, accusing the state of acting too slowly to unblock qualifying individuals despite a landmark court ruling.

In January last year, the Pretoria High Court found that the department`s practice of blocking IDs without due process was unlawful and unconstitutional. One of the applicants, Phindile Mazibuko, a Swati citizen and South African permanent resident since 1998, fell victim to identity theft in 2012 when fraudsters used her personal details.

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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6128
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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6129
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A Washington state mother and her 6-year-old son have been released after spending more than three weeks in US immigration detention due to a brief trip to Canada and a small paperwork mistake, her attorney told CNN on Saturday.

Sarah Shaw, a New Zealand citizen who has lived legally in the US since she arrived in 2021, was detained at the Blaine, Washington, Customs and Border Protection checkpoint when returning home after dropping her two oldest children off at the Vancouver airport for a flight to visit their grandparents in New Zealand. Shaw, 33, chose the flight out of Vancouver because it was direct and she didn`t want her children to have to navigate a layover alone, her attorney Minda Thorward, told CNN.

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On 22 July 2025, the Gauteng High Court dismissed Sitrusrand Boerdery`s review of the Department of Employment and Labour`s refusal to issue a Working Conditions and Salary Benchmarking Certificate, an essential precondition for obtaining corporate visas under the Immigration Act.

Acting Judge Kekana AJ held that the Department`s decision was lawful, rational and procedurally fair. This judgment illustrates how businesses can - and must - structure their corporate visa applications to meet statutory requirements, and how legal practitioners should prepare robust review challenges when administrative authorities decline to recommend foreign-work permits.

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The United States could forfeit an estimated 9.4 billion dollars in visitor spending over the next three years following the introduction of a new 250 dollars `visa integrity fee,` according to industry groups, who warn the policy risks undermining tourism and costing thousands of jobs.
The United States’ decision to introduce a 250 dollars `visa integrity fee` on international visitors has triggered sharp criticism from the global tourism industry, with officials warning that the measure could deter millions of travellers and cost the U.S. economy billions.
The 250dollar `visa integrity fee,` part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed on July 4, 2025, will take effect later this year. According to immigration law firm Envoy Global, it applies to all nonimmigrant visa holders which include students, tourists, temporary workers, and business visitors particularly from African countries. V.6132
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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6127
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1. Right to Legal Representation•You have the right to consult with a legal representative.•Contact an immigration practitioner, legal aid clinic, or attorney urgently.•Do not sign any documents without understanding them fully. 2. Section 34 of the Immigration Act•You must be brought to court with 48 hours to confirm arrest but you can remain locked up very long as courts figure out what to do with you •If you`re found to be illegally in South Africa, you may be detained for up to 30 days (extendable by a magistrate) pending deportation.•BUT this cannot happen arbitrarily. You must be informed of your rights, and Home Affairs must follow due process.- becomes a nightmare , you could lose your job , business , place to stay V.6121
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Driving for Bolt, Uber, Mr D, or Checkers Sixty60?If you`re undocumented, you`re risking more than just your income.The Risks if You`re Not Legal: - Vehicle impoundment - Heavy fines - Arrest & deportation - Permanent bans from working in SA V.6122
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