Mia Le Roux has been crowned Miss South Africa 2024, making history as the first deaf person to win the prestigious beauty pageant. She triumphed over nine other predominantly black contestants on Saturday to claim the coveted title.
As the new Miss South Africa, Le Roux will receive a substantial prize package, including a cash reward of $53,371 (R1 million), a Mercedes Benz, and a luxury fully furnished apartment. An undergraduate student, Le Roux plans to dedicate her reign to advocating for the rights and welfare of persons living with disabilities.
Le Roux’s victory comes amid a backdrop of controversy involving Nigerian-affiliated model Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, who had been a strong contender in the competition.
Adetshina, a model of Nigerian and Mozambican descent, withdrew from the pageant despite qualifying as a Top 11 Finalist. Her decision to step down followed a heated nationality dispute that began in July when she advanced to the round of 16.
The controversy intensified when the South African Department of Home Affairs accused her mother of possible fraud and identity theft, leading to Adetshina’s withdrawal from the competition.
Le Roux’s win as a descendant of Dutch settlers, or Boers, in South Africa, also adds a layer of historical significance, as the country’s pageantry landscape has predominantly featured black models in recent years.
Her victory marks a notable moment in South African history, highlighting the diversity and inclusion that the pageant aims to promote. With her platform, Le Roux is expected to bring greater awareness and support to the deaf community and other persons with disabilities, reinforcing the importance of representation in beauty and beyond.
