Mia le Roux, 28, who became the first deaf woman to win the “Miss Africa South” crown on August 11, 2567, has shared her desire to help marginalized individuals in society. She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of 1 and underwent surgery to implant auditory nerves in order to partially restore her hearing. It took her two years of speech therapy before she could speak her first words after winning the competition.
Le Roux expressed pride in being a deaf woman from South Africa and shared her understanding of the feelings of being marginalized. She hopes that her victory will help empower those who feel excluded in society to achieve their dreams. As a role model, she aims to assist individuals who lack access to financial services or are disabled.
Furthermore, the announcement of Miss Africa South was marred by drama surrounding issues of racial discrimination. Just a week prior, a 23-year-old law student, Chidimma Adetina, withdrew from the competition after her mother was accused of allegedly stealing the identity of an African-American woman. Adetina, who is of Nigerian descent on her father’s side and South African-Mozambican on her mother’s side, had been facing online attacks for weeks, with many questioning her eligibility to represent the country.
In response to the controversy, Adetina stated that she was a victim of “black-on-black hate” due to the concept of “afrophobia,” which refers to the fear and hatred of people of African descent in South Africa. The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges of racial discrimination and identity struggles within the pageant industry.
Overall, Mia le Roux’s win as Miss Africa South serves as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities and individuals facing discrimination. Her story of overcoming hearing loss and achieving success despite societal barriers is an inspiration to many. The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetina sheds light on the complexities of racial identity and the importance of addressing issues of discrimination within the pageant world. Le Roux’s victory reminds us of the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.