The Dual Narrative of Inclusivity & Division in Miss South Africa

By Faustina Ogheneywede

The Miss South Africa beauty pageant has come a long way from being just a platform for conventional beauty to now a celebration of the strength, intelligence, and diversity of women across the nation. With it’s recent embrace of contestants from various ethnicities and backgrounds, it reflects a growing recognition that beauty is as diverse as the women who embodies it.

The Inclusivity Paradox

Yet, not everyone sees it that way. Chidinma Adetshina’s presence in the pageant sparked a lot of controversies, which revealed a deep paradox within the movement toward inclusivity. While many celebrate her participation as progress, others see it as a challenge to what they believe Miss South Africa should stand for – a reflection of purely South African heritage. This backlash underscores the lingering xenophobia that still exists in parts of society. A lot of people argued that by allowing someone with Nigerian roots to compete, the pageant loses its essence as a symbol of national pride.

This reaction highlights concerns about maintaining a cohesive South African identity in an increasingly diverse society. It’s a tension that resonates far beyond the pageant stage, touching on issues of immigration, national identity, and what it means to belong.

But What’s the bigger picture here?

Chidinma Adetshina’s story in Miss South Africa, is a reflection of the challenges and opportunities that comes with building a more inclusive society. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about who gets to be part of our countries story and how we should define our national identity in a multicultural world.

Her participation is a step forward in breaking down barriers, but it also highlights the work that still needs to be done. It is a reminder that while inclusivity is a powerful ideal, it often comes up against deeply ingrained fears and prejudices.

In the end, Miss South Africa 2024 is about more than just a crown. It’s about the ongoing struggle to define what it means to be South African in a world where identities are constantly evolving. Like an ex-beauty queen puts it, ” While a nation’s sovereignty should not be undermined… it is crucial that we rise above the limitations of borders, race and prejudice to embrace our shared humanity”.

Congratulations to Mia le Roux for becoming the first differently abled woman to be crowned Miss South Africa. Your passion to be the voice for those who have experienced the challenges of being different and feeling excluded is what we stand for at Raising women initiative. It is paramount that we all continue to build a more inclusive and supportive society.