Nigerians Respond as 28-Year-Old White South African Wins Miss SA 2024
Nigerians have shared their thoughts after Mia Le Roux, a model of European descent, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
Le Roux, who hails from the Dutch settlers, is a marketing manager, model, and part-time BCom marketing student. She was born in Sasolburg in the Free State and grew up in Oudtshoorn. Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one year old, the 28-year-old now resides in Rosebank, Cape Town.
As Miss South Africa 2024, Le Roux took home an impressive R1 million in cash and a brand-new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe.
The pageant took place on Saturday, August 10, at SunBet Arena in Times Square, Pretoria. The event followed the withdrawal of Chidimma Adetshina, a South Africa-born contestant of Nigerian and Mozambican descent, from the competition.
Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student, became the focus of controversy due to questions about her nationality. Amid accusations of xenophobia and social media bullying, her citizenship came under scrutiny, with even Cabinet ministers joining the debate. Earlier this week, the Department of Home Affairs announced it had found evidence suggesting that Adetshina’s mother had committed identity fraud.
Following the announcement of Le Roux’s win, Nigerians flooded social media with a mix of reactions—ranging from humor to anger and sarcasm.
Popular social media figure Omojuwa commented, “A true South African, in name, image, and identity. Congratulations to Mia Le Roux. A fitting end to an extraordinary competition.”
Another user, Tomi, wrote, “Congratulations to her. Now, when I think about the epitome of beauty among South African women, I will think about a white woman.”
A South African national expressed frustration, saying, “A black African girl hounded out of a competition only for it to be won by a European. The jokes write themselves.”
An X user posted a photo of Nelson Mandela with the caption: “27 wasted years.”