Mia le Roux: South Africa Crowns First Deaf Woman as Miss South Africa

Nigerians are reacting after Mia Le Roux, a 28-year-old model and marketing manager, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024. Le Roux, the first deaf woman to win the title, emerged victorious in a competition marked by controversy, including the withdrawal of Nigerian-South African contestant Chidimma Adetshina due to online harassment over her heritage. In her acceptance speech, Le Roux expressed hope that her victory would inspire those who feel excluded from society. Meanwhile, Adetshina’s withdrawal sparked discussions about xenophobia and “afrophobia” in South Africa.

Who is Mia Le Roux – the new Miss South Africa?

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Mia Le Roux is a 28-year-old from the Western Cape province.

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She was born in Sasolburg, Free State, and grew up in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape.

The new Miss South Africa is a marketing manager, model, and part-time B Com Marketing student.

At one year old, she was diagnosed with severe hearing loss, meaning she has limited hearing.

She shared that it took her two years of speech therapy before she could say her first words.

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She added that her community rallied behind her and gave her the gift of hearing, inspiring her to make a positive impact and break barriers.

She describes herself as resilient, dedicated, graceful, and kind.

After winning, the model and marketing manager said, “I am a proudly South African deaf woman, and I know what it feels like to be excluded. I now know that I was put on this planet to break boundaries, and I did that tonight.”

How people are reacting to her win

There have been numerous reactions to Mia Le Roux’s emergence as the new Miss South Africa on social media.

While some praised and congratulated her, others expressed dissatisfaction, accusing South Africa of harboring hate towards black people.

Among those who reacted was Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy, who posted on his social media account, saying, “So after all,” followed by a laughing emoji.

Reno Omokri, a former special assistant to former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, also commented. He said, “I sincerely hope those South Africans who didn’t consider Chidinma to be their representative feel represented now.”