Mia le Roux Crowned Miss South Africa 2024

Mia le Roux has become Miss South Africa 2024 following a divisive competition that saw one finalist withdraw after being trolled over her Nigerian heritage. This year’s competition, like many others, sparked national conversations about beauty standards and representation. The victory of Mia le Roux highlights themes of inclusivity and overcoming adversity.

Mia le Roux’s Inspiring Victory

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Le Roux, who at age one was diagnosed with a hearing disability, said she hoped her victory would help those who felt excluded from society to achieve their “wildest dreams, just like I am”. She said she wanted to help those who were “financially excluded or differently abled”. Ms Le Roux, 28, was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and has a cochlear implant to help her perceive sound. She said it had taken two years of speech therapy before she was able to say her first words. After winning, the model and marketing manager said: “I am a proudly South African deaf woman and I know what it feels like to be excluded. I know now that I was put on this planet to break boundaries and I did it tonight.”

Mia le Roux’s win as Miss South Africa is especially significant given her hearing disability. Her journey to the crown underscores the importance of representation for differently-abled individuals in mainstream media and public life. By sharing her story, she aims to inspire others facing similar challenges to pursue their ambitions without limitations. Her focus on financial inclusion also addresses a critical issue in South Africa, where many individuals and communities lack access to essential financial services and opportunities.

Controversy Surrounding the Competition

Last week 23-year-old law student Chidimma Adetshina pulled out of the competition following allegations that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman. Ms Adetshina was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican origin. She had been at the centre of a social media storm for several weeks, with many people, including a cabinet minister, questioning her right to represent the country. She said she had been the victim of “black-on-black hate”, highlighting a particular strain of xenophobia in South Africa known as “Afrophobia”, which targets those from other African countries.

The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina’s participation also brought to light the persistent issue of xenophobia in South Africa, particularly ‘Afrophobia.’ The online attacks and questioning of her citizenship highlight the challenges faced by individuals of foreign descent in the country. Her withdrawal from the competition serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of diversity within South African society. The incident underscores the importance of addressing prejudice and discrimination in all its forms.

The Miss South Africa Competition: A Platform for Change

The Miss South Africa competition is a highly anticipated event in the country, often sparking national conversations about beauty standards, representation, and social issues. The competition serves as a platform for young women to showcase their talents, advocate for causes they believe in, and become role models for future generations. The win of Mia le Roux as Miss South Africa 2024 and the controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina’s participation, highlights the power the competition has to spark conversation. In 2023, Natasha Joubert was crowned Miss South Africa (https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/natasha-joubert-crowned-miss-south-africa-2023-91dd548e-5a95-434d-b14a-9d313c799527), showing the competition’s ongoing importance in South Africa.