The Africa Center Mexico, which is organizing the 2024 Puebla International Literature Festival, has announced that it is withdrawing the invitations extended to South African guests who were set to attend the festival.
The Center which also announced the rescinding of South Africa as Country-in-Focus of the Puebla International Festival 2024, said the decision followed South Africa’s “victimisation” of the Nigerian-born model and former Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina and her family by the South African authorities.
In a statement issued by the Puebla International Festival Director, Ikenna Okeh, the Center said the recent developments in South Africa over Chidimma Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa competition, controversies surrounding her qualification, allegation of identify against her mother, her subsequent withdrawal from the competition have deeply troubled the African community.
The statement reads, “We regret to announce the decision to rescind South Africa’s designation as the Country-in-Focus for this year’s festival, and to also rescind the invitation of our South African guests.
“This decision has been made after careful consideration of recent developments that have deeply troubled the African community.
“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 Adetshina, her family, and members of immigrant communities in South Africa, thus undermining the very principles of justice, equality, and human dignity that literature seeks to uphold.
“The Puebla International Literature Festival aims to position itself as a beacon for the celebration of diverse voices, cultures, and ideas.
“We believe that literature has the power to challenge the status quo, to speak to authority, and to give a voice to the voiceless.
“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.
“Our decision is not a rejection of the rich literary heritage and the many courageous writers, poets, and artists of South Africa who continue to inspire the world.
“Instead, it is a statement against the current state of affairs that contradicts the values we hold dear.
“We stand in solidarity with those who are fighting for justice, both within South Africa and across the globe.
“We will continue to support and provide platforms for South African writers and thinkers who are working towards positive change.
“However, we believe it is crucial to send a clear message that cultural recognition cannot be divorced from ethical responsibility.
“The Puebla International Literature Festival remains committed to fostering dialogue, understanding, and solidarity among nations.
“We invite the global literary community to join us in this endeavor as we reflect on the role of literature in confronting the challenges of our time.”
On Thursday, Chidimma announced her withdrawal from the competition, citing safety and the well-being of herself and that of her family members.
Chidimma’s withdrawal from the competition came in a statement she personally signed and posted on her Instagram page amid the continued controversies surrounding her nationality ignited by the South African authorities, despite organisers’ certification of her qualification.
Born in Soweto, South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother who is of Mozambican descent, Chidimma’s participation in the competition and her rise to become a finalist in the competition had been a subject of controversy for some time as many South African had objected to her participation, citing that she is not truly a South African.
Social media attacks have targeted her Nigerian heritage despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all competition requirements.
SaharaReporters on Wednesday reported that the South African government said that Chidimma’s mother may have been involved in identity theft.
The new development regarding her mother was contained in a circular issued by the country’s Department of Home Affairs dated August 7, 2024, in which it gave an update on the controversies surrounding Chidimma’s qualification for the upcoming Miss South Africa Event slated for Saturday.
Chidimma became a key figure in South Africa’s xenophobia debate and national identity discussions after making it to the Top 30 and becoming a finalist in the Miss SA competition.
