Miss SA Mia le Roux shines in Mexico ahead of Miss Universe finale
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Mia Le Roux. Picture: Instagram
Miss South Africa Mia le Roux is making the most of her time in Mexico, building unforgettable memories ahead of the Miss Universe finale on 16 November. Le Roux, who is the first-ever deaf contestant to compete in the prestigious pageant, is one of 120 beauty queens vying for the coveted title, which will be awarded by reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios.
Le Roux, 28, departed from South Africa on 28 October and has been soaking in the experience ever since. She’s excited not only for the chance to represent South Africa but also to highlight the country’s rich diversity on the global stage. Le Roux has said she’s carrying her nation with her and is thrilled to be part of the journey of a lifetime.
Since arriving in Mexico, Le Roux has been involved in a series of events, showcasing her poise and style. On 1 November, she attended the “Dia de los Muertos” celebration at the Gala de las Catrinas, where she stunned in a gold gown by African Fashion International (AFI) Privé, the official fashion sponsor for Miss South Africa 2024. The gown’s intricate design paid tribute to both the pageant’s elegance and the rich cultural traditions of Mexico.
In addition to participating in various events, Le Roux has also formed bonds with contestants from around the world. In a recent social media post, she shared her excitement, writing, “A beautiful day spent with the most incredible women!” She went on to say, “Getting to know these incredible women is truly something I will treasure forever.” It’s clear that the Miss Universe experience has not only been a personal journey but also an opportunity for cultural exchange and friendship among the contestants.
In the coming days, there will be more exciting events for Le Roux and her fellow contestants. These include an excursion tour of Mexico’s iconic destinations, the reveal of the new crown for the 2024 Miss Universe winner on 12 November, the preliminary competition and National Costume Show on 14 November, and a farewell afternoon tea for reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios, on 15 November. The grand finale, where the new titleholder will be crowned, takes place on 16 November.
Le Roux’s journey to this point has been one of immense pride and honor. At her farewell event last month, she reflected on the incredible opportunity she’s been given, saying, “I feel incredibly proud and honoured by this opportunity and privilege that has been entrusted to me. I cannot wait to highlight our country’s beautiful diversity and show that it is our biggest strength.”
Making history as the first deaf contestant in the Miss Universe pageant, Le Roux also expressed her desire to use this platform to inspire others. “I try to view this as the opportunity and experience of a lifetime where my voice can be heard, and I can hopefully help to shine a light upon the blind spots of our world while carrying my beautiful country within my heart,” she shared. Le Roux believes her unique story is one of her greatest strengths, and she hopes to bring awareness to issues that often go unnoticed.
While the pageant has brought much joy and excitement, it has not been without its share of drama. On Friday, the Miss Universe Organization announced that Miss Panama, Italy Mora, would be withdrawing from the competition. The organization issued a statement explaining that the decision was made after a thorough review by their disciplinary committee. According to the statement, Mora’s disqualification was the result of non-compliance with pageant regulations, particularly an issue involving leaving her room without permission.
Mora, however, took to social media to explain her side of the story, calling the decision a “severe measure.” She admitted to leaving her room to apply makeup and collect personal items, but explained that she had trusted instructions without fully considering the consequences. Mora suggested that a warning or dialogue could have been a more appropriate solution rather than disqualification.
Despite this controversy, the focus remains on the upcoming Miss Universe finale, where Le Roux hopes to make history not just as South Africa’s representative, but as a trailblazer for the deaf community worldwide. As the competition heats up, Le Roux’s confidence and determination continue to shine through, and her supporters back home are eagerly awaiting the final event, cheering her on as she represents South Africa on the world stage.
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