Mia le Roux has been crowned Miss South Africa, becoming the first deaf woman to hold the title.
Her victory comes in the wake of a contentious competition that witnessed the withdrawal of another finalist, Chidimma Adetshina, who faced intense trolling about her Nigerian heritage.
In her acceptance speech, Le Roux expressed her hopes that her win would inspire others who feel marginalized to pursue their dreams. “I want to help those who are financially excluded or differently abled,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to fostering inclusivity.
The path to the crown was not without turbulence. Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, stepped down amid allegations concerning her mother’s identity theft of a South African citizen.
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother from Mozambique, Adetshina faced significant backlash, including scrutiny from public figures.
She described her experience as a victim of “black-on-black hate,” shining a light on the prevalent issue of xenophobia, or “afrophobia,” within South Africa.
Mia le Roux, 28, was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one year old and relies on a cochlear implant for sound perception. Following two years of speech therapy, she achieved her first words, a testament to her resilience and determination.
“Tonight, I proved that I am a proudly South African deaf woman,” Le Roux declared after her win. “I know what it feels like to be excluded, and I was put on this planet to break boundaries.”
