Mia Le Roux, recently crowned Miss South Africa 2024, has announced her decision to step back from participating in the upcoming Miss Universe competition due to health issues. The announcement was made on Friday in a statement released by the Miss South Africa Organisation.
Le Roux expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from South Africans, describing the decision as deeply difficult but essential for her well-being.
“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe,” Le Roux stated. “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.”
The Miss South Africa Organisation extended its full support to Le Roux, commending her resilience and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing her health.
“Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period,” the organisation noted. “Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health.”
Le Roux’s withdrawal adds another layer of complexity to a year that has been marked by controversies within the Miss South Africa pageant. Earlier in the competition, contestant Chidimma Adetshina, of Nigerian and South African heritage, withdrew after facing a backlash over her nationality.
Adetshina, 23, was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent. The controversy escalated when the South African Home Affairs Ministry launched an investigation, uncovering allegations of potential identity theft involving her mother. Following the incident, Adetshina was invited to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, which she ultimately won.
In the aftermath of Adetshina’s withdrawal, Le Roux, a descendant of Dutch settlers known as Boers, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024. Despite her recent success, her health challenges have necessitated a pause in her international aspirations.
The Miss South Africa Organisation and Le Roux’s supporters remain hopeful for her recovery, expressing confidence in her future endeavors and continued impact as a representative of the nation.
