Mia Le Roux takes a step back from Miss Universe:’It must be deja vu’

by Nomonde Simelane

2024 has not been a year of good fortune for South Africa as far as pageantry is concerned. Months after Chidimma Adetshina had to withdraw from the running to becoming Miss SA, Mia Le Roux, the current reigning Miss SA has announced her withdrawal from the Miss Universe pageant.

This might feel like deja vu for a lot of South Africans as they went through this already, and felt these exact feelings when fan favourite and controversial contestant Chidimma Adetshina announced that she would be withdrawing her name from the Miss SA competition, citing safety reasons following widespread backlash concerning her identity and citizenship.

This time, mzansi’s golden girl, who had unofficially been given the name ‘Mbali’ which translates to flower, has also had to withdraw from the coveted beauty pageant to focus on her health instead. Although the statement released by the official Miss SA Instagram page does not specify Mia’s health concerns, they emphasised that the ambassador’s well-being is a top priority and although the decision was not an easy one, it was necessary.

“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. MAking this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed on me. However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength,” Mia says.

 

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As expected, the news did not sit well with South Africans as well as the supporters Mia had garnered throughout the course of the competition, they expressed deep dissapointment, but overall concern for Mia as they are unsure of the severity of Mia’s health concerns. It also would not be South Africa if there were no witchcraft allegations, as mzansi had predicted Mia to go quite far into the competition.

Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Sakhile Dube has been a consistent standout since her arrival in Mexico and it appears a handful of South Africans have selected her as a worthy contestant to support, seeing as Zimbabwe and South Africa share a close bond.

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