Chidimma Adetshina deportation case postponed to 2027

The Cape Town Regional Court has postponed a ruling on whether Chidimma Adetshina should be detained pending deportation until February 2027. The postponement follows a separate review application filed by Adetshina against the South African Department of Home Affairs, which is currently before the Western Cape High Court.

Adetshina, a 25-year-old beauty queen and former Miss South Africa finalist who later won Miss Universe Nigeria, maintains she was born in South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs seeks her deportation, arguing she lacks valid legal status after her citizenship documents were revoked following investigations into her family's identity records. Officials also alleged she re-entered the country unlawfully.

Outside the courthouse, anti-migrant groups including Operation Dudula and March and March protested, with some demonstrators chanting for her to leave the country. Adetshina has condemned the treatment, stating she believes she is being “unfairly treated and targeted” to make an example of her. She urged the public to reject xenophobia and follow the spirit of Ubuntu while she continues to pursue her citizenship through legal channels.