In a first, deaf 28-year-old wins Miss South Africa

After a contentious competition, a 28-year-old woman became the first deaf person to be crowned Miss South Africa, according to a report in the BBC. In her winning speech, Mia Le Roux—who was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one—expressed her hope that her achievement will encourage those who feel marginalised to follow their “wildest dreams, just like I am.” Furthermore, she expressed her desire to assist people who were “financially excluded or differently abled”.

Ms Le Roux was named the pageant’s winner after contestant Chidimma Adetshina, 23, withdrew owing to criticism of her Nigerian heritage and allegations about her mother’s identity. Interestingly, Ms. Adetshina’s family was from Mozambique, although she was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother.

The head of the Patriotic Alliance party and South Africa’s minister of culture, Gayton McKenzie, also questioned Ms. Adetshina’s eligibility to compete. “We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I wanna get all facts before I comment but it gives funny vibes already,” he stated on X.

The gathering, according to Ms. Adetshina, felt like “black-on-black hate,” drawing attention to the particular kind of xenophobia known as “Afrophobia” that is practiced in South Africa and targets other Africans. She claimed that out of the 16 women competitors, she was the only one receiving the majority of the criticism, despite the fact that other participants had names that were European and South Asian.

Citizenship Inquiry

In a groundbreaking moment for the Miss South Africa pageant, Mia Le Roux, a 28-year-old woman with profound hearing loss, has been crowned Miss South Africa 2024. This remarkable achievement marks her as the first deaf person to win the prestigious title. Diagnosed with severe hearing loss at the age of one, Le Roux’s victory is a testament to her resilience and determination. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her hope that her win will inspire others who feel marginalized to pursue their “wildest dreams,” and she emphasized her commitment to helping those who are “financially excluded or differently abled.”

Le Roux, who uses a cochlear implant to enhance her hearing, had to undergo two years of speech therapy before she could speak her first words. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I am a proudly deaf South African 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 I did it tonight.” Her victory not only celebrates personal triumph but also challenges societal norms, showcasing the power of perseverance and inclusivity.

Controversies and Withdrawal in the Miss South Africa Pageant

The path to Le Roux’s crown was not without controversy. The competition saw significant tension, particularly involving contestant Chidimma Adetshina. The 23-year-old Adetshina withdrew from the pageant amid criticism related to her Nigerian heritage and allegations concerning her mother’s identity. Adetshina’s family origins were scrutinized, with her family being from Mozambique, though she was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother.

The criticism escalated when Gayton McKenzie, head of the Patriotic Alliance party and South Africa’s minister of culture, publicly questioned Adetshina’s eligibility. McKenzie expressed doubts on social media, stating, “We truly cannot have Nigerians compete in our Miss SA competition. I wanna get all facts before I comment but it gives funny vibes already.” This comment stirred controversy and highlighted issues of xenophobia and “Afrophobia,” a specific type of xenophobic sentiment targeting other Africans within South Africa.

Amidst the growing scrutiny, South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, announced an investigation into Adetshina’s citizenship on August 6. The investigation was prompted by concerns raised by the Miss South Africa organization. The ministry suggested that there were reasons to believe fraud and identity theft might have been involved, which could have affected the registration of Adetshina’s birth. The statement further revealed that an innocent South African mother might have suffered due to the alleged fraud.

Following these developments, Adetshina decided to withdraw from the competition on August 8, citing concerns for her family’s safety. On Instagram, she posted, “After much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and I. With the full support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”

The Significance of Mia Le Roux’s Miss South Africa Win

Mia Le Roux’s victory as Miss South Africa represents a significant milestone in the history of the pageant. Her success not only breaks barriers for individuals with disabilities but also serves as a symbol of hope and change in a society grappling with issues of inclusivity and representation. Le Roux’s journey from a young girl with profound hearing loss to becoming Miss South Africa highlights the evolving standards of beauty and ability in pageantry and beyond.

As the new Miss South Africa, Le Roux is set to use her platform to advocate for inclusivity and support for the differently abled. Her achievement underscores the importance of embracing diversity and challenging societal perceptions, marking a new chapter in the history of the Miss South Africa page.

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