Who is Mia le Roux? Miss South Africa withdraws from Miss Universe 2024 amid health concerns
Reigning Miss South Africa Mia le Roux has withdrawn from the Miss Universe pageant because of undisclosed health concerns. A marketing manager by profession, Mia le Roux made history in August 2024 when she became the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa on August 10 after championing inclusivity in the pageant.
On November 14, the Miss South Africa Organization released a statement confirming Mia le Roux's withdrawal from the Miss Universe pageant. The official statement said:
“Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period. Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health. Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery.”
The post also contained Mia le Roux's statement expressing her gratitude to her country for their "unwavering support."
“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me. However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength.”
Everything to know about Mia le Roux
Mia le Roux was born in Sasolburg, Free State, in 1995 and currently resides in Rosebank in Cape Town. At the age of just one, she was diagnosed with hearing loss and had to take the help of a cochlear implant to help her perceive sound.
She attended Oudtshoorn High School before earning a degree in nutrition from the Sport Science Institute of South Africa. After that, she got an exercise specialist diploma from Eta College. She is also a part-time B.Com. Marketing student at the University of South Africa. At present, she works as a marketing manager at a start-up company.
In an interview with Glamour published on August 13, 2024, Le Roux talked about her life, family, and journey to success. Her parents, Liesel le Roux and Schalk le Roux, have co-owned the newspaper Die Hoorn and Postnet Oudtshoorn for over two decades. She also has an older brother named Schalk le Roux.
The 29-year-old also explained why she participated in Miss South Africa 2024, highlighting past winners' contributions to spreading inclusivity and redefining beauty.
"As a deaf woman with a cochlear implant, I represent a community that often goes unheard. I am here to prove that, despite being differently-abled, it has not affected me in terms of what I am capable of. My journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination we all possess," she added.
Mia le Roux was crowned Miss South Africa amid controversial withdrawal of a finalist
On August 10, Mia le Roux was crowned Miss South Africa at SunBet Arena in Menlyn following a pageant that saw finalist Chidimma Adetshina withdraw because she was criticized nationwide over her alleged Nigerian heritage.
In her acceptance speech, Mia le Roux highlighted the importance of inclusivity, hoping that her victory would help people who are excluded from society achieve their "wildest dreams." The 29-year-old also talked about her endeavor of helping people who were "financially excluded or differently abled."
A week before her win, finalist Chidimma Adetshina pulled out of the competition amid widespread allegations that her mother may have been Nigerian. In several media interviews, she explained that her father was Nigerian and her mother was a South African of Mozambican descent.
However, a preliminary investigation by the Department of Home Affairs inferred that her mother may have committed identity theft to gain her South African citizenship.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 7, the department stated that the investigations revealed an "innocent" South African mother whose identity may have been stolen by Chidimma Adetshina's mother. However, the statement said that the Miss South Africa finalist was an infant at that time and couldn't be pressed with charges for her mother's alleged actions.
In her Instagram post, she explained her decision, citing that she withdrew to ensure her family's "safety and well-being." Adetshina concluded by wishing her best to all the other finalists and expressing her gratitude to everyone who stood beside her on the journey.
In an interview with the Sowetan Live news site (via BBC), Adetshina described her situation as "black-on-black hate," highlighting a form of xenophobia called Afrophobia in which South Africans target other Africans.