By 
Newly crowned Miss Universe South Africa, Melissa Nayimuli, has become the target of xenophobic abuse online following her selection to represent South Africa at next month’s Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
The 29-year-old filmmaker, born to a Xhosa mother and an Ugandan father, has long spoken about her experiences with identity and belonging — issues that have resurfaced in the wake of her appointment.
According to The South African, while many citizens celebrated her selection by Africa Beauty International, others questioned her South African identity, citing her Ugandan heritage.
Several online comments carried xenophobic undertones, with some users claiming Nayimuli’s ancestry made her “less South African.”
This is not the first time she has faced such criticism. During her Miss South Africa runs in 2020 and 2023 — both of which saw her finish in the Top 5 — Nayimuli discussed the challenges of growing up in a multicultural household.
“I was born into a multicultural home with a Xhosa mother and a Ugandan father,” she said in 2020. “On one hand, I got to experience full acceptance and love, but on occasion, with just the mention of my surname, I felt what it was like to be treated like a foreigner.”
The renewed trolling mirrors incidents from 2023, when she was mocked for her “non-South African” surname and unfairly compared to former finalist Chidimma Adetshina, who was accused of identity fraud in an unrelated case.
Despite the online attacks, Nayimuli’s supporters have rallied behind her, describing the backlash as “a reflection of deep-seated xenophobia” in parts of South African society.
Many praised her for championing diversity and inclusion on the global stage.
This year’s Miss Universe selection marks the first time since 1997 that a representative has been chosen by an organization other than Miss South Africa — a change that has sparked both excitement and debate.
As the pageant approaches, Nayimuli has vowed to remain focused on her message of unity and acceptance, using her platform to challenge prejudice and promote a more inclusive vision of South African identity.
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