Mia Le Roux has made history as the first deaf woman crowned Miss South Africa. At 28, Le Roux, who has profound hearing loss and uses a cochlear implant, took the crown amid a storm of controversy. Her acceptance speech focused on breaking barriers and supporting those who feel excluded or are differently abled.
Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at a year old, Le Roux faced years of speech therapy before speaking her first words. Her win in the pageant is seen as a victory for inclusivity and a message that dreams are achievable despite challenges.
The competition saw turmoil when 23-year-old finalist Chidimma Adetshina withdrew due to backlash over her Nigerian heritage and her mother’s identity. Adetshina, whose family is from Mozambique, faced criticism and xenophobia, leading to her decision to leave the competition for her family’s safety.
Adetshina expressed her gratitude for the support she received and wished the remaining finalists well. Le Roux’s victory underscores the importance of inclusivity and breaking societal boundaries, representing a new chapter in the Miss South Africa pageant.