The crowning of Mia Le Roux as Miss South Africa has sparked controversy and heated discussions across South Africa and online platforms. Mia, a South African-born woman of white European descent, was crowned the new Miss South Africa for 2024, leading to significant backlash and accusations from netizens.
Controversy erupted after some expressed disappointment and frustration over the treatment of Adetshina Chidimma, a contestant with Nigerian and Mozambican roots who was also born in South Africa. Many South Africans claimed that Chidimma was unfairly shunned in favour of Mia Le Roux, raising questions about racial biases and discrimination in the country.
Also Read:Β Miss Universe Nigeria Invites Chidimma After Following Drop From Miss SA Pageant
The 2024 Miss South Africa beauty pageant, held at the Sun Bet Arena Time Square Menlyn in Pretoria, became embroiled in controversy, tarnishing what should have been a celebratory event. The fallout from the controversy led to widespread criticism and scrutiny of black-on-black hate.
Former finalist Chidimma Adetshina’s citizenship came into dispute, resulting in her withdrawal from the competition. She was subsequently replaced by Kirsten Khan and Kebalepile Ramafoko, further fueling the controversy.
Following her withdrawal, Miss Universe Nigeria pageant officially extended an invitation to Chidimma Adetshina, inviting her to participate in the upcoming Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 competition.
Mia Le Roux’s victory was not without its supporters, as the stunning model impressed judges with her inspiring story. Hailing from Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, the 28-year-old marketing manager overcame significant challenges, including a diagnosis of hearing loss as a one-year-old. Mia credits her community in Sasolburg Free State for ensuring she received the necessary treatment, enabling her to achieve success despite the odds.
Notably, Nigerian artist Burna Boy drew attention to the controversy surrounding Miss South Africa and Chidimma’s treatment. There was a significant uproar over Chidimma’s heritage and South African identity, leading to a revelation that her South African identity may have been overlooked or disregarded.
Following Mia Le Roux’s crowning, social media platforms, including Burna Boy’s account, were inundated with criticisms accusing South Africa of disregarding African contestants in favor of those of European descent. The controversy brought to the forefront discussions about representation, diversity, and the underlying issues that continue to plague the country.
Here are some social media comments:
One X user posted;
Congratulations to the people of Soweto
One who looks like them has finally replaced Chidinma Adetshina and won Miss South Africa
πππππππππππππ
@matigary:
So she represents South Africa more than Chidimma?
South Africa is still a colony
@melvygurl:
Black South Africans, you people are useless in that your country… Tα»₯fα»akwa.
@Tochi_Amata
The Black South Africans are actually postcolonial slaves. For over 18years, not more than 4 black Miss South Africa winners…so much for Zulu name, Zulu identity and Zulu heritage.
Dear Africans, can we takeout 3 minutes and jointly laugh out loud at the Xenophobic South African slaves…ππππππππππππππππππππππππππππππππππππππππ….
Congratulations #MiaLeroux! Shalom oo my dear!
@iam_Sfetso
If we’re being honest… Ntsiki has a point here… Black people made noise about removing a black woman and then a white woman wins… Divide & conquer on steroids!
@LIMPOPO_SAN
Every South Africans knows that south Africa is a rainbow nation…. You can’t expect this kinda competition to always be won by blacks π€·π½ββοΈunless you are an angry Nigerianπ€·π½ββοΈ
@ChrisExcel102
In South Africa we know Burna Boy because of AKA
He made him and advertised him to the world..
And those are straight facts!!
