Who Is South African? The YouTube video "SOUTH AFRICA'S SHAME" by Kilimanjaro News Network ignites a provocative discussion on identity, inclusivity, and Pan-Africanism through the lens of the controversy surrounding Chidimma Adinma. Adinma, a Nigerian-born South African, was barred from representing South Africa in the Miss Universe pageant due to her Nigerian heritage. This decision has sparked outrage and accusations of xenophobia, raising critical questions about what it truly means to be South African.

The video critiques this exclusion as a betrayal of Pan-African ideals, pointing to the irony of South Africa—once a beneficiary of continental solidarity during apartheid—now marginalising its fellow Africans. It frames this incident as emblematic of larger issues: entrenched colonial-era prejudices, rising xenophobia, and the struggle for an inclusive national identity.

Kilimanjaro News Network challenges South Africa to reconcile its policies with its history and honour Nelson Mandela’s vision of unity. By using Chidimma’s case as a microcosm, the video calls for an urgent re-evaluation of how African nations treat each other’s citizens. It asks: Can South Africa truly embrace the diversity of its population while holding onto exclusionary notions of identity?

This debate is a critical opportunity to explore the intersections of nationalism, post-colonial identity, and Pan-African unity. Should nationality be based solely on birthplace or heritage, or is it defined by shared values and contributions to a nation? Furthermore, what does Chidimma’s story reveal about the challenges of building inclusive African nations in a post-apartheid, globalised world?

The discussion urges us to examine whether South Africa can transcend these divisions and embrace a broader, more inclusive understanding of African identity. Is it time to redefine "South African" to reflect the nation’s diverse reality and its Pan-African responsibilities?