The just concluded Miss South Africa was one event characterized by so much drama. To start with, the competition had its first deaf contestant, Mia Le Roux, who went on to win the pageantry.
However, most of the drama came with the controversy surrounding one of the contestants, Chidimma Adetshina who was fiercely criticized on the basis of her ancestry and nationality. This issue made rounds on social media as people took turns to discuss the eligibility of her candidacy.
First time for Everything
Crowned as the first deaf Miss South Africa winner, Mia Le Roux’s victory has set a record for others to beat at the Miss South Africa pageantry. This win sends a positive message to other people living with disabilities to step up, and shine their lights.
That said, it is important to note that her victory was not totally smooth, but rather a result of perseverance and a determination to see things through. Once she was declared winner, she spoke about how inclusivity and accessibility would further help people with disabilities live a more comfortable life.
Mia went on to say, “I want to build a bridge between the world of the deaf and the world of the hearing." This message was welcomed by the audience as they showed their support in hopes that she will shine as a true role model for Miss South Africa.
Controversy and Xenophobia
Not to steal the spotlight from Mia Le Roux’s win, but while the show encouraged inclusivity, people abounded who did not find the logic in the theme. This made more sense when a contestant, Chidimma Adetshina was ridiculed by some South Africans who questioned and shamed her nationality. While it initially looked like a light jesting, it soon descended into a widespread act, with social media brimming with accusations that she was fake.
This incident outraged the Nigerian part of X (formerly known as Twitter) who took to tackling the South Africans, raising criticisms that South Africans were being Xenophobic. It was quite concerning because Chidimma was said to be maternally South African. But critics continued fanning the flames of controversy, alleging that her mother herself was an illegal immigrant to South Africa from Botswana. Adetshina’s withdrawal from the race stemmed from the deluge of these criticisms.
A New Era for Miss South Africa
With so much controversy surrounding the pageantry, much can’t be taken away from Mia Le Roux who has just made a landmark achievement. Her win is more like a beacon of hope for the excluded who never had a chance to dream big. As Miss South Africa, Le Roux intends to proclaim her message of general inclusivity for all disabled communities .
Final Thoughts
The Miss South Africa contest was a collection of controversies. When you consider the toxic campaigns that trailed Chidimma Adetshina’s candidacy, it makes sense that people challenged the validity of the inclusivity theme. However, with Le Roux’s win, we hope to see a new generation that would embrace inclusivity regardless of race, disability or nationality.