Lerato Kganyago deactivates X account amid Miss SA backlash
|Published
Popular South African radio personality, Lerato Kganyago, has deactivated her X account, leaving fans and followers speculating about the reasons behind her sudden departure from the social media platform.
This comes after Kganyago found herself embroiled in a heated online debate surrounding Miss South Africa finalist Vanessa Chidimma Adetshina.
The controversy began when Adetshina, a 23-year-old beauty queen with Nigerian roots, faced criticism from some South African citizens. Netizens expressed their disapproval of her participation in the Miss South Africa competition, citing concerns about her nationality and eligibility.
While many rallied behind Adetshina on social media, others questioned her right to represent South Africa given her Nigerian heritage.
Known for her candid opinions and a fearless approach to social media issues, Kganyago took to X to defend Adetshina.
According to a video that was shared on social media, Kganyago said “South Africans have found it easier to attack black women because we are weaker and we are seen as weaker, but also people that contribute are black women themselves.”
She said the beauty pageant should be inclusive and celebrate diversity, regardless of contestants’ backgrounds. While defending Adetshina, her tweet to one Nitizen read:
“Ncuuu look at you weak self-attacking 2 black women, who are firmly bringing changes into pageantry, but you won’t notice because your head is filled with gossip and not facts! forgot le magwala, it’s easier to attack black women abanye niyabasaba! Le fiega la modimo. modimo a be lewena though.”
Kganyago’s defence sparked a backlash. Some accused her of being biased. While she did not explain her departure from social media, the move highlights the toll that it can take on public figures involved in heated debates.
As the Miss SA saga continues, Adetshina remained a central figure with her Nigerian heritage becoming a lightning rod for discussions on identity, belonging and representation.
While some applauded her courage, others questioned whether she truly embodied the essence of the South African beauty.
The Star
lesego.montso@inl.co.za