The Republic of South Africa has been controversially stripped of its featured country status at the renowned Puebla International Festival in Mexico.
This festival, known for its vibrant cultural presentations spanning dance, theatre, music, film, and literature, has taken a decisive stance following the alleged victimisation of Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contender.
In a regretful statement, the festival organisers announced their withdrawal of invitations to South African panellists and guests.
[ Home Affairs Broadens Investigation Into Miss SA Contestant Adetshina’s Nationality ]
They cited the troubling environment in South Africa, where state apparatus and a disturbing silence from cultural figures have contributed to a climate that permits mob rule.
This climate, they claimed, has resulted in the victimisation of Adetshina, her family, and immigrant communities, thereby undermining justice, equality, and human dignity.
Expressing profound disappointment, the festival organisers emphasized their belief in literature’s role in challenging the status quo, speaking to authority, and giving voice to the voiceless.
Nonetheless, they concluded that they could not, in good conscience, spotlight South Africa as a focal point of their celebration amidst such profound injustices, which became particularly noticeable after the Miss South Africa beauty pageantry saga.
The festival organisers said, “It is with a sense of sadness that we acknowledge the distressing events in South Africa, where the apparatuses of the state, coupled with the troubling silence of many within the cultural sphere, have enabled a climate of mob rule.
“This has led to the victimisation of Chidimma, her family, and members of the immigrant communities in South Africa, thus undermining the very principle of justice, equality, and human dignity that literature seeks to uphold.
“We believe that literature has the power to challenge the status quo, to speak to authority, and give a voice to the voiceless,” said the statement.
“However, we cannot in good conscience, honour a country as a focal point of our celebration when it is currently embroiled in such profound injustices as has been currently gathering momentum following the Miss South Africa beauty pageantry.”
The South African Human Rights Commission had recently issued warnings to the public concerning xenophobic attacks and cyberbullying directed at Chidinma Adetshina.
She had withdrawn from the pageant two days before the finale, announcing on social media that this decision followed the Department of Home Affairs’ revelation of her mother’s involvement in identity fraud to obtain South African citizenship.
This revelation stemmed from a verification request sent by the Miss SA organisers amid controversy over Chidimma’s eligibility.
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