Ongoing xenophobic backlash stirs tribalism debate. Picture: rawpixel.com on freepix
Beyond being a mere beauty competition, the Miss South Africa pageant has ignited a platform for conversations around social issues.
The 2024 pageant stirred controversy when finalist, Chidimma Adetshina faced xenophobia after it was discovered that she has a South African mother who is of Mozambican descent and a Nigerian father.
The xenophobic backlash began on social media, with critics questioning her citizenship status and her right to represent South Africa in the pageant, arguing that only South African born individuals should compete.
These views reflect the broader xenophobic attitudes in South Africa, where immigrants are often blamed for various social and economic problems. Adetshina’s experience identifies the difficulties immigrants face in being fully accepted, even when they hold legal status and contribute positively to the country.
Furthermore, the impact of xenophobia on the Miss South Africa pageant has led to a conversation about tribalism.
Tribalism is when one strongly identifies with a specific group like a tribe or ethnic community, prioritising the interests and needs of that specific group over others, which leads to exclusion or conflict with other groups.
This is what has led to fears among potential contestants. X user, Jessica Maswanganyi (@TsongaBratzdoll) who is of the Xitsonga tribe, has expressed reluctance to enter the pageant due to concerns about tribalism, fearing that her ethnic background might make her a target for bullying or discrimination.
The only thing that stopped me from entering Miss SA was the tribalism I knew I would face because I'm Tsonga. It is what it is tho.
— Jessica Maswanganyi (@TsongaBratzdoll) August 4, 2024
This situation demonstrated how ethnic loyalties can create divisions, even in events meant to celebrate unity and diversity.
Such issues are not new to the Miss South Africa pageant. Former Miss SA, Shudufhadzo Musida, also faced some bullying and discrimination for being Tsonga during her reign. Her experience brought attention to the deep-rooted tribalism in South Africa.
The hate towards the current Miss SA all stems from tribalism. You hate her because she's not from the so called "dominant" tribes, that's why. But of course you'll deny it. You're no different from a racist. pic.twitter.com/SErluWyrzS
— Papa G (@BrownBoyNeo) January 19, 2021
Prominent public figures such as Lerato Kganyago and the Sonke Gender Justice organisations condemned the xenophobic attack that has been displayed for weeks, emphasising the importance of unity and inclusivity in South Africa’s diverse society.
They stressed that Adetshina’s participation should be celebrated as a way to highlight South Africa’s multicultural identity and its commitment to human rights and equality.
This controversy serves as an important reminder of the ongoing challenges South Africa faces in overcoming xenophobia and tribalism.
It also highlights the need for continued efforts to foster a national identity that embraces all legal residents, regardless of their origin, and promotes solidarity over division.
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