Breaking Boundaries: Mia le Roux Becomes First Deaf Miss South Africa Amid Controversy

Mia le Roux has become the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa following a divisive competition that saw one finalist withdraw after being trolled over her Nigerian heritage.

Ms. Le Roux expressed her hope that her victory would inspire those who felt excluded from society to achieve their “wildest dreams.”

She expressed her desire to assist individuals who were financially excluded or differently abled.

Last week, 23-year-old law student Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from the competition due to allegations that her mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman.

Ms. Adetshina was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother. A social media storm has erupted, with numerous individuals, including a cabinet minister, questioning her right to represent the country.

She experienced “black-on-black hate,” a form of xenophobia in South Africa called “Afrophobia,” which targets individuals from other African countries.

Ms. Le Roux, 28, was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and now uses a cochlear implant to aid in sound perception. She reported that it took her two years of speech therapy to be able to speak her first words.

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 understand that my purpose on this planet is to break boundaries, and I achieved this tonight.”