In A First, 28-Year-Old Deaf Woman Crowned Miss South Africa Amid Controversy

She was declared the winner after finalist Chidimma Adetshina withdrew due to criticism regarding her Nigerian origin and allegations regarding her mother’s identity.

Mia le Roux has become the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa following a divisive competition which saw one finalist withdraw after being trolled over her Nigerian heritage.

Mia Le Roux, who was diagnosed with profound hearing loss when she was aged one, expressed her hope in her victory speech that her success will inspire those who feel excluded to pursue their “wildest dreams, just like I am.” She also said that she wished to help those who were “financially excluded or differently abled”.

Ms Adetshina was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican origin.

She had been at the centre of a social media storm for several weeks, with many people, including a cabinet minister, questioning her right to represent the country.

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.”