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The Africa Center Mexico, the organiser of the 2024 Puebla International Literature Festival, has announced the cancellation of invitations to guests from South Africa. The decision comes in the wake of the recent controversy surrounding Nigerian-born model and former Miss South Africa (S.A) contestant, Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina.
What the statement says
In a statement issued by the Puebla International Festival Director, Ikenna Okeh, the Center expressed deep concern over the “distressing events in South Africa” that have led to the “victimization” of Chidimma Adetshina, her family, and members of the immigrant community in the country.
“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,” the statement read. “This decision is coming after careful consideration of recent developments that have deeply troubled the African community.”
Controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina
The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina’s participation in the Miss S.A competition has been a subject of intense debate in the country. Despite meeting all the competition requirements, Adetshina’s Nigerian heritage has been a point of contention. Many South Africans have been objecting to her participation.The situation escalated further when the South African government alleged that Adetshina’s mother may have been involved in identity theft. A claim that has been strongly refuted by the young model.
Adetshina was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent. She has withdrawn from the competition. She cited safety concerns for herself and her family.
More clarification from the statement
The Africa Center Mexico’s decision to revoke South Africa’s role is a direct response to these events.
The Center states that it cannot, in good conscience, “honour a country as a focal point of our celebration when it is currently in such profound injustices.”“We believe that literature has the power to challenge the status quo, to speak to authority, and to give a voice to the voiceless,” the statement continued. “However, we cannot do so when the very principles of justice, equality, and human dignity that literature seeks to uphold are being undermined.”
The Puebla International Literature Festival is a popular global event that celebrates diverse voices, cultures, and ideas.The Center has made it clear that this decision is not a rejection of South Africa’s rich literary heritage. Or the courageous artists and writers within the country. Instead, it is a statement against the current state of affairs that contradicts the values the festival aims to promote.
“We will continue to support and provide platforms for South African writers and thinkers who are working towards positive change,” the statement concluded. “However, we believe it is crucial to send a clear message that cultural recognition cannot be divorced from ethical responsibility.”
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Btw, the only reason this post is on fp at this time of the night is because the poster moved it himself.
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Kudos
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Good way to go
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Imagine a country that Nigeria fought for, I don’t know why they behave like my afon’ja brothers
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MissOpe:
An eye for an eye makes the world see well….
Kudos
Kama
Inferiority complex personified!
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englishmart:
Will miss Nigeria organisers allow a non-Nigerian to contest in her pageantry?Btw, the only reason this post is on fp at this time of the night is because the poster moved it himself.
Na una politicians dey easily use divide and rule for…just hear yourself 
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International community
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Other reputable institutions must follow suit ,let it serves as a deterrent
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Okay. Commendable
Las las, na oyibo person still win am. So much for xenophobia
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MissOpe:
An eye for an eye makes the world see well….
Kudos
Eyes for an eye, In fact the entire head of an eye… Eye for an eye is too merciful
Diplomacy trumps above everything. There is no need retaliating.
From a corporation and investment view, the Whites can enslave all Black South Africans, and “WILL” still use same Blacks to enslave them.
Those blacks don’t even count in their own country!
Very minute Blacks are doing well in that country, and 90% of them are not even self made. They affiliated with White priviledge.
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englishmart:
Will miss Nigeria organisers allow a non-Nigerian to contest in her pageantry?Btw, the only reason this post is on fp at this time of the night is because the poster moved it himself.
She is South African by birth. And thus legally a South African. Even if her mother committed identity fraud or came from Mozambique and her father Nigerian…that doesn’t stop her from been a citizen since she was born in SA. The contention here is her origin/ancestry not nationality. And l by the way, the Whites in SA, were they originally South Africans? Nope. They are all descendants of immigrants just like Chidimma.
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Same happened in Lagos election. This is a black man syndrome, they just can’t accommodate success from another person
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Good
kettykin:
Same happened in Lagos election. This is a black man syndrome, they just can’t accommodate success from another person
Envy is a gene that makes up the build of an average black man.
They hate winning together!
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Envy and insecurity.
If countries like Canada and USA acted this way, they won’t have developed. And to think that these people suffered discrimination during the apartheid, one would have thought that they would be more tolerant and empathetic to others.
Thats quite differnt, at root both Canada and USA are children of the same mother.
Chimarto:
Imagine a country that Nigeria fought for, I don’t know why they behave like my afon’ja brothers
You fought for who excatly? So because you fought for them as you claimed they should allow you come back and invade their land ?
Their country is theirs , their land is theirs , whatever they chose to do with what belongs to them is their choice !
Stop your entitlement mentality , and learn how to think from both angles , as in put yourself in other peoples shoe ! Can you even take it ? Can your people take it ? I bet the answer is hell NO ? So you see why you need to stop check yourself too?
englishmart:
Will miss Nigeria organisers allow a non-Nigerian to contest in her pageantry?Btw, the only reason this post is on fp at this time of the night is because the poster moved it himself.
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Blacks in SA will need like 500 years to recover from apartheid.
You hopeful! I am a realist. I don’t even see it possible.
