Miss South Africa withdraws from Miss Universe due to health concerns

Miss South Africa withdraws from Miss Universe due to health concerns

Miss South Africa Mia le Roux

Mia le Roux, South Africa’s contestant at the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mexico, has announced her last-minute withdrawal from the competition due to health reasons.

Le Roux was the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa and was representing the country at the finals, taking place this weekend in Mexico City.

Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at age one, Le Roux uses a cochlear implant to perceive sound.

The Miss South Africa Organisation issued a statement which said: “It is with deep regret that we share the news that Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, has had to withdraw from the Miss Universe competition due to health concerns.”

The organization said the le Roux had displayed “incredible courage and grace through this difficult period” and added “her health and well-being are our utmost priority.”

“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe,” le Roux said.

“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,” le Roux added.

Le Roux’s withdrawal comes against the backdrop of a controversial year for the Miss South Africa pageant.

Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant of Nigerian and South African heritage, withdrew from the competition following a social media backlash over her nationality.

Adetshina, 23, was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent.

The controversy deepened after the South African Home Affairs Ministry launched an investigation, revealing allegations that her mother may have committed identity theft.

In the wake of the backlash, Adetshina was invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, which she ultimately won.

Le Roux, a descendant of Dutch settlers known as Boers, was subsequently crowned Miss South Africa 2024.(www.amatropics.com)