By Olakunle Agboola – The world is increasingly defined by mobility and globalization, and the challenges surrounding immigration, identity, and citizenship have grown more intricate.
One recent example that encapsulates these complexities is the case of Adetshina’s mother who has been alleged and under investigation in South Africa for identity theft. This case sheds light not only on the personal journey of Adeshina’s mother but also on the broader issues of immigration, legal identity, and xenophobia in South Africa.
Adetshina’s mother, like many others, arrived in South Africa with hopes of building a new life, contributing to the local economy, and possibly supporting her family back home. South Africa has a relatively strong economy and developed infrastructure. This has been a destination for individuals from other African nations seeking to escape conflict and limited opportunities.
Adetshina’s mother, like many immigrants, faced the challenge of integrating into a society that was often wary of outsiders. There has been a significant influx of immigrants from across Africa over the past few decades, which has led to tensions in some communities in South Africa.
These tensions are aggravated by the country’s high unemployment rate and the perception that immigrants, especially from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Congo are competing for scarce jobs and resources.
The case of Adetshina became public attention as one of the contestants for Miss South Africa 2024. According to reports, Adetshina’s mother is alleged to have unlawfully assumed the identity of a Tshwane woman born in 1982, leading to serious legal and personal complications. Like Adetshina, Tshwane gave birth in 2001, only to find her identity number had already been linked to the birth of Adetshina.
Home Affairs said the Tshwane woman who allegedly had her identity stolen, first applied for her identity document in Pretoria in 1995. When she returned to collect her ID three months later, her ID had been issued to someone in Johannesburg. The South African ID card is a crucial document, as it grants access to various services, including employment, banking, and healthcare.
Identity theft is a serious crime in South Africa, as it can undermine the integrity of the country’s legal and social systems. Also, fraudulent IDs can lead to illegal access to social services, voting rights, and other benefits reserved for citizens and legal residents.
Details of how Adetshina’s mother allegedly obtained the stolen ID are still under investigation. However, it was gathered through investigation that cases like this often involve forged documents, bribery, and sometimes the exploitation of weaknesses within the bureaucratic system.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Department, which is responsible for issuing IDs and passports, has been criticized in the past for inefficiencies and corruption, which can sometimes make it easier for fraudulent activities to occur. Hands are on deck to prove the legitimacy of this institution ensuring no stones are left unturned.
Nigerian Factor
The case against Adetshina’s mother is unfolding at a time when issues of immigration and identity are particularly sensitive in South Africa. The country has a long history of xenophobia, with periodic outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals, particularly those from Nigeria. In this context, the case of Adetshina born of a Nigerian father is argued to be the bone of contention and the reason many South Africans feel a Nigerian by descent should not be the representation of Miss South Africa.
Critics have seen the attack on Adetshina as Afrophobic and a deep-rooted rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa in recent years. South Africa and Nigeria are economic powerhouses in Africa, but their economies are structured quite differently.
South Africa has a more diversified economy with strong sectors in mining, finance, manufacturing, and services, while Nigeria’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports.
It is attested that South Africa historically had the largest and most developed economy in Africa, which has given it significant influence on the continent and should be seen as ‘the giant of Africa’.
However, Nigeria’s population is much larger, and its economy has grown rapidly in recent years, overtaking South Africa as the largest economy in Africa by GDP. This shift has fueled competition, with both countries vying for economic dominance in Africa.
In the final round, Chidimma Adetshina quit the Miss South Africa beauty pageant after being embroiled over her nationality and eligibility to compete. She became the target of a xenophobic online attack while many Nigerians came to her defense. Chidimma Adetshina later accepted an invitation to compete for the title of Miss Universe Nigeria and found her way out of South Africa to Nigeria.
Socially, the case of Adetshina highlights the precarious position of many immigrants in South Africa. The public perception of immigrants is perceived to be shaped by a complex mix of economic frustration, fear of crime, and cultural differences. Unfortunately, cases like Adetshina’s have continued to reinforce negative stereotypes and further marginalize immigrant communities.
Xenophobia and Systemic Challenges
Adetshina’s case cannot be viewed in isolation. It is part of a broader narrative of immigration and xenophobia in South Africa. The country’s history of apartheid has left deep scars, and the transition to a post-apartheid society has been challenging. Economic inequality remains stark, and many South Africans feel that the promises of the post-apartheid era have not been fulfilled.
One of the reasons why Julius Malema did not have most of the votes in the recent presidential election is the concern about the EFF’s open border policy and its potential economic impact. South Africa already faces high unemployment rates, poverty, and inequality.
Critics argue that opening the borders could worsen these issues by increasing competition for scarce jobs and resources. The influx of immigrants could strain public services, such as healthcare, education, and housing, which are already under pressure. This could lead to increased social tensions and further marginalize the most vulnerable South Africans.
In this environment, immigrants are often scapegoated for the country’s problems. Xenophobic violence has erupted multiple times in recent years, with foreign nationals being attacked, businesses looted, and homes destroyed. These incidents are not just spontaneous outbursts but are often fueled by underlying social and economic grievances.
The South African government has been criticized for its response to xenophobia. While there have been efforts to address the issue, including public condemnations of violence and attempts to promote social cohesion, many feel that these efforts have been insufficient.
The government’s handling of immigration is also under scrutiny, with some arguing that more needs to be done to regulate immigration effectively while also protecting the rights of those who come to South Africa seeking a better life.
Adetshina’s Perspective
The legal and social implications of Adetshina’s case are significant, it is important not to lose sight of the human element. Adetshina, like many others, should not be embroiled because of their parents’ crime. She did not choose her parents or her nationality, therefore, there should be a special consideration to flip to the other side of the coin.
Adetshina’s mum of Mozambique origins came to South Africa to improve her life and the lives of her loved ones. The pressures and challenges faced by immigrants can lead some to take desperate measures, such as using fraudulent documents, to survive. This is a major issue not only in South Africa but across Europe and America.
If Adetshina’s mum did indeed commit identity theft, it raises questions about the circumstances that led her to do so. Was it a lack of legal avenues to regularize her status? Was she coerced or misled by others? Who are those officials involved in this identity scandal?
These are important considerations that should inform the legal process and the public’s perception of the case. All that is involved in this identity theft should be questioned as the whole world is interested in the outcome and significance of this case.
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