By Felica Odom 21.7.2026
While waiting for the August 19, 2026, date set for judgement in her fight against South Africa Home Affairs Department deportation threats, beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina said though she is depressed she would continue to fight her “eviction” notice till the end.
The 25-year-old mother of one kid and the Home Affairs Department have been in court arguing whether she should be deported or not after being arrested and released for staying in South Africa illegally.
On Monday, Adetshina argued in court that she has spent all her life in South Africa and was in the process of regularising her documents. But the HAD submitted that she was holding a Nigerian passport and therefore not qualified for citizenship. Adetshina adduced that she was being hounded because of her link to a Nigerian father.
South African law stipulates that a child born in South Africa with none of her parents being citizen does not qualify for automatic citizenship, unless government makes an exception. And it seems the South Africa government are not making any for Adetshina.
A Cape Town Court presided by Magistrate Reema Khorana urged both parties to settle out of court, but both sides failed to reach an agreement. Magistrate Reema Khorana reserved judgment on whether she should be detained pending deportation.
Reacting after the proceedings, Adetshina wrote on Instagram: “Exhausted — yes. Burnt out — yes. Depressed — yes. Will I give up? No! We no dey carry last. See you next month.”