Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, has had to withdraw from the Miss Universe competition due to health concerns.
- Mia Le Roux, crowned Miss South Africa 2024 was set to represent South Africa at the upcoming Miss Universe competition in Mexico City.
- In a heartfelt announcement, the Miss South Africa Organisation has revealed that she must withdraw due to health concerns.
- The news has brought a wave of support and well-wishes from South Africans and the Miss South Africa Organisation, as Mia makes the difficult decision to prioritise her health and recovery.
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This year’s Miss Universe pageant, the 73rd iteration, is being held in the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, where 127 contestants from across the globe will gather to compete. With US television personality Mario Lopez hosting and former Miss Universe winners Catriona Gray and Andrea Meza providing commentary, the event promises to be a dazzling showcase of talent, beauty, and empowerment. The much-anticipated finale takes place on Saturday, 16 November 2024. Mia expressed her deep gratitude to those who have supported her throughout her Miss Universe journey.
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 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.
// Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux
The Miss South Africa Organisation echoed her sentiments, praising Mia’s resilience and determination in navigating this challenging period.
Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period. 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. Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery.
// The Miss South Africa Organisation
Before her health setback, Mia had been hard at work in Mexico, preparing alongside other contestants for the highly competitive and rigorous schedule leading up to the pageant finale.
It has been a jam-packed schedule, but I have enjoyed seeing some of Mexico and how beautiful it is, experiencing some of its culture and meeting contestants from around the world. I am working hard but also taking the time to savour every moment and memory.
// Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux
A devoted advocate for inclusivity, Mia has worked tirelessly to elevate her platform as Miss South Africa. Her advocacy campaign, Mia Le Roux’s Movement, has become a beacon of hope, especially for individuals with disabilities and those often overlooked by society. As the first-ever deaf contestant from South Africa to compete in Miss Universe, Mia has been breaking barriers, using her voice to amplify the voices of others. Through partnerships with government bodies, corporations, and NGOs, her movement is dedicated to raising funds for cochlear implants and promoting a more inclusive society. For Mia, this journey has always been about more than just a title — it has been a mission to make a difference.
South Africa has long been a dominant force in the world of international pageants, boasting recent successes with Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (Tebow) crowned Miss Universe in 2017, Tamaryn Green (Green-Nxumalo) securing first runner-up in 2018, and Zozibini Tunzi winning the crown in 2019. This stellar track record has earned the country a reputation as one of the strongest competitors at Miss Universe, with millions of fans rallying behind each contestant.
Mia’s commitment to her role as Miss South Africa was evident at her farewell event held at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, where her parents, Schalk and Liesel, and supporters gathered to wish her well. During this event, Mia showcased some of her specially designed outfits, crafted by Africa Fashion International (AFI), the official fashion sponsor for Miss South Africa 2024. Founded by Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, AFI has been a significant force in African fashion, spotlighting local talent and innovation on the global stage.
Dr. Moloi-Motsepe commented on the partnership with Miss South Africa, emphasizing that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering women and celebrating African talent.
AFI Atelier’s wardrobe for Mia at Miss Universe showcases our core values of innovation, excellence, and a passion for craftsmanship. Through this synergy, we are reinforcing our dedication to empowering women while shining a spotlight on Africa’s rising influence in global fashion, of which Miss Universe is a great platform for both.
// Africa Fashion International (AFI) Founder, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Mia has consistently demonstrated that her role as Miss South Africa is a platform for change.
Someone once said that I did well with Miss South Africa because of the struggle I represent. But I say I did well because of the victory I represent. My parents were unsure if I would ever speak, and now I am using the very same voice to be heard like I have never been heard before.
// Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux
In this time of recovery, Mia’s vision for a more inclusive world continues to inspire. As she steps back to prioritise her health, her courage and resilience have only strengthened her bond with South Africans who see her not just as a beauty queen but as a symbol of hope and determination.
The Miss South Africa Organisation, along with countless supporters across the country, will be cheering her on as she focuses on her journey to health, eagerly awaiting her next steps and the positive impact she will continue to make.
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