Chidimma Adetshina urges South Africans not to let xenophobia shape justice

Chidimma Adetshina has urged South Africans not to let xenophobia and misinformation shape justice as she fights for recognition as a South African citizen. Speaking outside the Cape Town regional court, she reiterated her birthplace in South Africa and her legal applications for citizenship. Magistrate Reema Khorana postponed her judgment to February 23, pending a high court review of her deportation decision. Outside, Operation Dudula supporters protested, demanding her deportation. Adetshina, speaking to journalists for the first time since her June arrest, expressed confidence in the courts and accused unfair targeting. She emphasized the rule of law and Ubuntu, urging South Africans to reject xenophobia. Operation Dudula leader Zodwa Booi argued that Ubuntu should be reciprocal, advocating for legal deportation if Adetshina wishes to return. The court could not determine detention pending the high court review, with Adetshina ordered to remain at her address and report regularly. Tensions escalated after her delayed exit, with protesters shouting for her to leave the country.