Puebla International Literature Festival Revokes South Africa’s Country-In-Focus Status Amid Controversy Over Miss South Africa Pageant

Puebla International Literature Festival has revoked South Africa’s status as the Country-in-Focus for the 2024 festival following the withdrawal of Chidimma Adetshina from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant.

The festival’s decision, announced via a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, came in response to what it describes as “profound injustices” meted out to Adetshina and her family due to the pageant and broader societal issues in South Africa. Adetshina’s withdrawal from the Miss South Africa contest is hinged on her citizenship, with many South Africans arguing that she, as a Nigerian, should not be allowed to compete in a South African national pageant.

The festival announcement was made through a post with a statement signed by the festival’s director, Ikenna Okeh. The statement expressed deep regret over the situation, citing the “victimisation of Chidimma Adetshina, her family, and members of immigrant communities” as a critical factor in the decision.

We regret to announce the revocation of South Africa’s designation as the Country-in-Focus for this year’s festival, the caption to the statement read, and the withdrawal of the invitation of our South African guests.

Puebla International Literature Festival emphasised its commitment to celebrating diverse voices, cultures, and ideas through literature. The statement outlined the festival’s belief in the power of literature to challenge the status quo and give a voice to the marginalised. However, the festival noted that it could not, “in good conscience,” honour South Africa as a focal point of celebration while the country is “currently embroiled in such profound injustices.”

The decision, the statement clarified, is not a rejection of South Africa’s rich literary heritage or the many courageous writers, poets, and artists who have made significant contributions to the global literary landscape. Instead, it is intended as a stand against the current state of affairs in South Africa, which the festival believes contradicts its core values. “We stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice, both within South Africa and across the globe,” the statement concluded.

Despite the revocation, the festival affirmed its continued support for South African writers and thinkers working towards positive change. The statement underscored the festival’s belief that “cultural recognition cannot be divorced from ethical responsibility”, a principle that informed their decision to send a “clear message” through this action.

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