First deaf Miss South Africa crowned after divisive competition

In a remarkable event that took place on August 10, 2024, Mia le Roux was crowned as the first deaf Miss South Africa at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. This historic moment was made even more special as she was crowned by the reigning Miss South Africa, Natasha Joubert. Mia le Roux, who is 28 years old, expressed her feelings about her victory by stating that she believes she was 'put on this planet to break boundaries. ' This statement reflects her desire to challenge societal norms and inspire others who may feel marginalized or excluded. Her win comes after a highly publicized competition that was marked by controversy. One of the finalists, Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, withdrew from the competition after facing severe backlash regarding her Nigerian heritage. Chidimma was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother from Mozambique. She had been at the center of a social media storm, with many questioning her eligibility to represent South Africa. Chidimma described her experience as 'black-on-black hate,' highlighting a specific form of xenophobia in South Africa known as 'afrophobia,' which targets individuals from other African nations. Mia le Roux's journey has not been easy. Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one, she has relied on a cochlear implant to help her perceive sounds. Mia shared that it took her two years of speech therapy before she could utter her first words. After her crowning, she stated, 'I am a proudly South African deaf woman and I know what it feels like to be excluded. ' Mia hopes that her victory will serve as a beacon of hope for those who feel left out, encouraging them to pursue their 'wildest dreams. ' She expressed a strong desire to assist those who are financially disadvantaged or differently abled, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation in society. Mia's story is not just about winning a title; it is about breaking barriers and inspiring change.