Mia le Roux has made history as the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa, concluding a competition marred by controversy.
The event saw significant public debate and tension, including the withdrawal of one finalist due to online harassment linked to her Nigerian heritage.
In her acceptance speech, le Roux expressed hope that her achievement would inspire others who feel marginalized to pursue their “wildest dreams.” She emphasized her desire to support those who face financial barriers or disabilities.
The competition was overshadowed by controversy involving Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student who withdrew from the pageant amid allegations that her mother had falsified identity documents.
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina faced intense scrutiny and criticism on social media, with some questioning her eligibility to represent South Africa.
She described the experience as an instance of “black-on-black hate,” reflecting a form of xenophobia in South Africa known as “Afrophobia,” which targets individuals from other African nations.
Mia le Roux, who was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and uses a cochlear implant, spoke about her journey. She described her initial two years of speech therapy as pivotal in her communication ability.
In her victory speech, le Roux, a model and marketing manager, celebrated her accomplishment, stating, “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 did it tonight.”
