South Africa has been removed as a “Country in Focus” from the 2024 Puebla International Literature Festival (PILF) because of the country’s failure to properly handle the controversy surrounding the nationality of Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant in this year’s Miss South Africa beauty pageant.

The Puebla International Literature Festival (PILF), founded in 2024 by Africa Center Mexico, is an annual event that celebrates literature and promotes cultural exchange between Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Its first edition, to be held in Puebla, Mexico, from October 4 to 6, was designed to feature South Africa as a “country in focus” and shine a spotlight on the country’s rich literary tradition.

However, in a statement released on Thursday, festival organisers announced they were withdrawing South Africa’s designation as a “Country in Focus” and rescinding invitations to South African guests. The decision is in response to what festival director Ikenna Okeh described as “victimisation of Chidimma Adetshina, her family and members of the immigrant communities in South Africa”, which he said runs counter to the festival’s principles.

“We regret to announce the decision to withdraw South Africa’s designation as the focus country for this year’s festival and to withdraw the invitation to our South African guests,” the statement said. “This decision has been taken after careful consideration of recent developments that have deeply concerned the African community.”

Okeh expressed regret over the situation in South Africa, claiming that “the state apparatuses, together with the disturbing silence of many in the cultural sector, have enabled a climate of mob rule.” He noted that this environment led to the victimization of Adetshina and undermined the principles of justice, equality and human dignity that literature is supposed to uphold. Despite this decision, Okeh assured that Puebla would continue to support South African writers and thinkers.

LEADERSHIP reports that the controversy stems from the recent disqualification of Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old model of Nigerian and Mozambican descent, from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. Adetshina, who was born in Soweto, South Africa, was called into question after the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) alleged that her mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.

On Thursday, Adetshina announced her withdrawal from the competition, which was due to end in Pretoria on August 10, 2024. The winner of the beauty pageant is expected to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year.