Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie congratulated Miss SA 2024, Miale Roux, on her winning the coveted title and noted that she will represent South Africa well in the wake of social media outcry over her crowning.
In the midst of the controversy, some people have hailed the Miss SA organisation for inclusivity and representation, a win cited as a turning point for the deaf community.
Reacting to the backlash, McKenzie said on X that South Africa does not have a white Miss South Africa, black Springbok captain, or coloured Banyana Banyana coach, as they are all South Africans.
“We don’t have a white Miss South Africa; we do not have a black Springbok captain, nor do we have a coloured Banyana Banyana coach; we see them as South Africans. We have adopted reconciliation as our North Star guided by our Father Nelson Mandela; you will come around, I did.
“Our country is not perfect, nor are we as citizens of South Africa; our problems we face and we search for answers; our citizens criticise us as leaders without facing arrest. We will never be separated from this soil, no matter how imperfect. We shall not burden others on their soil.”
One of the people who sparked controversy was Burna Boy, a well-known Nigerian celebrity, who shared a photo of Le Roux with the caption, “So after all that.”
Nandi Madida was among those who spoke fondly about Le Roux’s win, hailed inclusivity, and said, “My daughter, who is on the autistic spectrum, just witnessed Mia winning; what a moment that she will never forget. Wow. These onions. Inclusivity is beautiful. Congratulations to all the contestants.”
The EFF’s Naledi Chirwa also commented on Le Roux’s win and said it warmed her heart as mother to a boy with special needs.
“As a mommy to a boy with special needs (special talents, special interests), this win warmed my heart.”
Having fought her way to the coveted crown, the 28-year-old has been praised for her resilience as she became the first differently-abled finalist in the history of the Miss South Africa pageant.
In her acceptance speech, Le Roux said: “With a humble and grateful heart, I accept the incredible responsibility of being your Miss South Africa 2024. It is an honour that fills me with immense pride and gratitude, and I am deeply touched by the trust and confidence that South Africa has placed in me.
“As a little girl, I never would have thought that someone like me could become Miss South Africa. It is extremely powerful what this could mean to other little girls — that even if you have something that makes you different, you still can achieve your dreams with determination and hard work.
“At the tender age of two, I was blessed by my community with the gift of a cochlear implant.
“Family, friends, and strangers rallied to raise funds for this operation — a life-changing opportunity that allowed me to hear.
“It was also the start of a long journey to listen to sound and connect with the world through speech, a journey that also has taught me to never give up.
“It took two years of speech therapy and continued repetition of words before I looked up to the sky one day and said my first four words: ‘Kyk daar, wit wolke — look there, white clouds.
“Today, it is my turn to be your community, to be a voice for those who, like me, have experienced the challenges of being different and feeling excluded.
“I am here to serve as your representative, to champion the causes that matter to South Africans, and to create a space where everyone can shine in their unique, beautiful way.”
The Star