Home Affairs disputes Chidimma case, vows to fight back
· The South African
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber has stated that the department opposes Chidimma Adetshina’s bid to have her citizenship reinstated.
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The former Miss Universe Nigeria is also pushing back on proceedings seeking to detain and deport her and her young son, whose father is a Nigerian foreign national.
The 25-year-old – who was arrested last month over her illegal status – was born in Soweto to two immigrants: a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, who is accused of committing identity fraud when registering her birth.
At the time of her birth, neither of her parents had permanent residency in the country.
HOME AFFAIRS OPPOSING CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA CITIZENSHIP BID
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber stated that the department was opposing Chidimma’s bid to have her citizenship reinstated.
The department is pursuing proceedings to have Chidimma detained ahead of her deportation.
According to the minister, the beauty queen’s appearance in court has proved that the department operated under the rule of law.
He said: “Any allegation or perception that South Africa’s immigration system does not work towards the rule of law is put to bed because people have the right to go to court.
“We don’t deny anyone the right to go to court and have their day in court. But at the same time, we have a dispute here. We disagree, and the work that has been done by Home Affairs has resulted in the uncovering of a South African who has had their identity stolen by [Chidimma’s] mother and a series of other steps that have been effected to enforce the rule of law”.
He added: “We certainly hope that the court will settle this matter so that we can move forward”
IMMIGRATION LAWYER DENIES CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Meanwhile, immigration lawyer Stefanie de Saude-Darbandi, who represents Chidimma Adetshina and is also a member of the Immigration Advisory Board (IAB), a statutory body that advises the Home Affairs minister on immigration matters, stated that there is no conflict of interest.
This comes as the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee revealed that it has received a “substantial number” of complaints to investigate public concern.
De Saude-Darbandi shared her position as an IAB advisor, as appointed by Minister Leon Schreiber, is separate from her legal practice.
She said: “My appointment to the board does not confer any authority or influence over individual immigration applications, litigation or operational decision-making within the department. Board members do not decide cases, instruct officials, or influence the outcome of matters involving particular applicants.
“My appointment therefore provides no advantage to my clients, nor does it alter the legal or evidential standards that apply to any matter before the department or the courts.”