First deaf Miss South Africa crowned after divisive competition
Mia le Roux has made history as the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa, following a contentious competition in which one finalist withdrew after facing online harassment due to her Nigerian heritage.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Le Roux expressed her hope that her win would inspire those who feel marginalized to pursue their “wildest dreams, just like I am.” She emphasized her desire to support individuals who are “financially excluded or differently abled.”
Last week, 23-year-old law student Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from the competition after allegations surfaced that her mother may have stolen a South African woman’s identity. Ms. Adetshina, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, had been at the center of a social media controversy for several weeks. Her right to represent the country was questioned by many, including a cabinet minister.
Ms. Adetshina described her experience as a victim of “black-on-black hate,” pointing to a specific form of xenophobia in South Africa known as “Afrophobia,” which targets people from other African nations.
Ms. Le Roux, 28, was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and uses a cochlear implant to assist her in hearing.
She said it had taken two years of speech therapy before she was able to say 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 know now that I was put on this planet to break boundaries and I did it tonight.”
