In a historic and groundbreaking moment, Mia le Roux has been crowned the first deaf woman to win the prestigious Miss South Africa 2024 title. Her victory comes after a highly divisive competition, which saw one finalist withdraw amid controversy and online harassment.
Breaking Boundaries and Inspiring Others
Mia le Roux, a 28-year-old model and marketing manager, was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one year old. Despite her challenges, including years of speech therapy, she has defied the odds to achieve her dreams. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Mia emphasized her mission to break boundaries and inspire those who feel excluded from society.
“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 said after receiving the crown.
Controversy and Xenophobia Surrounding the Competition
The competition was not without controversy. Just a week before the final event, 23-year-old law student Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from the contest. Adetshina, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent, became the target of a social media storm. Accusations and xenophobic remarks led to her decision to exit the competition, with Adetshina citing “black-on-black hate” and a specific form of xenophobia in South Africa known as “afrophobia,” which targets individuals from other African nations.
Mia le Roux’s Vision for an Inclusive Future
Mia le Roux has expressed her desire to use her platform to advocate for those who are “financially excluded or differently abled.” She hopes her victory will serve as a beacon of hope for anyone who feels marginalized, encouraging them to pursue their “wildest dreams, just like I am.”
Mia’s triumph in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition not only marks a personal victory but also sends a powerful message about inclusivity and the importance of representation in society.
