South Africa will not have a representative at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico this Saturday, following the withdrawal of Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux.
Le Roux, who had traveled to Mexico City and participated in pre-pageant activities and rehearsals, announced her withdrawal due to health concerns. While she did not reveal the specific nature of the issue, she described the decision as a challenging one.
“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe,” Le Roux said in a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude to her fans.
The 28-year-old made history in August by becoming the first hearing-impaired woman to be crowned Miss South Africa in the pageant’s 66-year history. Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one, Le Roux has relied on an implant to perceive sound, using her platform to advocate for inclusivity and representation.
Le Roux’s withdrawal marks a rare absence for South Africa, a nation with a distinguished record at Miss Universe, having won the coveted crown three times in 1978, 2017, and 2019.
Fans across the globe have expressed their support and admiration for Le Roux, celebrating her achievements and wishing her a swift recovery.
As the Miss Universe competition moves forward, South Africa will continue to cheer for Le Roux’s inspiring journey, which has broken barriers and highlighted the importance of resilience and representation on the global stage.
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