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EEF Political Party Condemns ‘Afrophobic Attacks’ On Miss South Africa Contestant Of Nigerian, Mozambican Roots, Chidimma Vanessa

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July 31, 2024

EFF, a South African Marxist–Leninist and pan-Africanist political party founded by expelled former African National Congress Youth League President Julius Malema, and his allies, in 2013, lamented the attacks on Adetshina over her Nigerian and Mozambican roots.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has voiced its deep concern over escalating Afrophobic attacks on Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina. 

EFF, a South African Marxist–Leninist and pan-Africanist political party founded by expelled former African National Congress Youth League President Julius Malema, and his allies, in 2013, lamented the attacks on Adetshina over her Nigerian and Mozambican roots.

Adetshina was born in Soweto, South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother who is of Mozambican descent.

These social media attacks target her Nigerian heritage despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all competition requirements.

 

"Adetshina's eligibility to compete for the Miss South Africa title should never have been questioned as the competition performed due diligence to verify the status of all contestants," the EFF stated in a statement on Wednesday . 

The party stressed that the intense scrutiny and vitriol aimed at Adetshina reveal a "continued colonised mindset among many South Africans".

 

The EFF pointed out that this situation reflects remnants of apartheid and colonisation, where divisive ideologies still plague society. It highlighted that previous contestants of foreign descent like Vanessa Carreira, whose parents are Portuguese and Angolan, did not face similar scrutiny, labelling this a blatant case of Afrophobia.

 

"We call on South Africans to introspect and ask themselves: why such harshness towards a 23-year-old Black South African woman? What does that say about your mind? Is this a reflection of my deep-seated prejudices?" the statement questioned.

 

The EFF emphasised that the anti-African sentiment extends beyond Miss South Africa contestants. It cited the example of Member of Parliament Naledi Chirwa, who also faces similar hatred despite her South African citizenship. In contrast, Natasha Mazzone, a first-generation South African of Italian descent, does not receive such outrage, underscoring the pervasive nature of Afrophobia.

 

The party stressed that individuals of European, Indian, and Asian descent, even those holding public office, do not endure the same level of abuse and scrutiny. Yet, Africans born in South Africa are often treated as pariahs in their own country.

 

The EFF warned of the potential descent into tribalism that Afrophobia could trigger. It reiterated its commitment to advocating for the decolonisation of Africans' outlook towards one another and urged South Africans to reject divisive forces and celebrate their shared humanity.

 

"The EFF stands in solidarity with Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina and all those who face discrimination based on their African heritage. We urge all South Africans to embrace the spirit of unity and reject the remnants of our colonial and apartheid past," the statement read.

 

In its closing remarks, the EFF extended well wishes to all Miss South Africa finalists, insisting that all candidates must be awarded equal respect and fair treatment, free from victimisation and bullying.