Mia le Roux has made history as the first deaf woman to win Miss South Africa, following a competition marked by controversy.
Le Roux, who was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at one, wore a cochlear implant to aid her hearing and had to undergo two years of speech therapy before speaking her first words.
In her acceptance speech, Le Roux expressed hope that her victory would inspire others who feel marginalized to achieve their “wildest dreams.”
She pledged to support those who are “financially excluded or differently abled,” emphasizing her commitment to breaking boundaries.
The competition had been marred by a dispute involving finalist Chidimma Adetshina, who withdrew under scrutiny.
Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, faced backlash over her Nigerian heritage and allegations that her mother had misused the identity of a South African woman.
Adetshina had been targeted by social media attacks and questioned by public figures about her eligibility to represent South Africa.
She labeled this as “black-on-black hate,” reflecting a form of xenophobia known as “afrophobia” in South Africa.
Le Roux’s triumph was a significant moment, with her stating, “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.”
Source-BBC
