Mia Le Roux Wins Miss South Africa 2024
A heated debate has erupted on social media following the announcement of Mia Le Roux, a white South African, as the winner of the Miss South Africa 2024 beauty pageant.
The controversy stems from the disqualification of Chidimma Adetshina, a black woman who withdrew after facing relentless trolling due to her Nigerian heritage.
Nigerian-born Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican descent, announced her withdrawal from the competition on Thursday.
She cited concerns for her safety and the well-being of her family amid ongoing online attacks that targeted her Nigerian roots, despite her being born in South Africa and meeting all the competition’s requirements.
Chidimma’s participation had been a subject of controversy, with many South Africans arguing that she wasn’t truly South African. Her withdrawal came through a statement she posted on Instagram, thanking her supporters but explaining that the escalating hostility made it impossible for her to continue.
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Chidimma said, “I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown.
“Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey; however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.
“With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.”
The backlash against Chidimma has sparked outrage among Nigerians, who have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration over the xenophobic sentiments fueling the controversy.
Many see the incident as a reflection of long-standing tensions between South Africans and other African nationals, particularly Nigerians.
Mia Le Roux’s win, despite being born to white parents, has added fuel to the debate, with critics questioning what her victory means for representation and diversity in the competition. The incident has reignited concerns about discrimination, prejudice, and inclusivity in South Africa.
In response, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy took to social media to criticize those who opposed Chidimma’s participation, accusing them of hypocrisy. His comments echo the widespread anger among Nigerians over what they see as a betrayal of the competition’s values.
“So After ALL that.. ……. ,” the singer wrote on his verified X page alongside a photo of the winner.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the broader issue of anti-Blackness and xenophobia in South Africa, with many observers calling for a deeper examination of the country’s social dynamics.
Some have even suggested that Chidimma’s withdrawal could propel her to greater international success, highlighting the limitations of the Miss South Africa platform.
Another X user, Uju Anya wrote: “The real winner of the shitshow of anti-Blackness and xenophobia is Chidimma Adetshina, whose stunning face and grace gained worldwide fame, which will propel her into an international modeling career bigger than anything she could’ve gotten from that bush league beauty pageant.”
Another user, Mulako wrote: “’When two brothers fight to the death, a stranger will inherit their fathers estate’ Chinua Achebe. Stopping a black woman born in South Africa with African roots only for a colonialist to win xenophobia lives in South Africa.”
According to Doctuche, the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid activist would also be displeased with the outcome of the 2024 beauty contest in his country.
He said, “Mandela is looking at this from heaven and he can’t believe what he’s seeing.”
“Only the blacks will fight each other just to please their colonizers,” Maryam_Jidayi wrote.
A user @_iRoyalty_ said the competition is known for always declaring women of no African origin as the winners since 2000.
He said, “Miss SA from 2000 till 2024 and it’s mostly people whose origin have no roots in Africa that gets to win it most times. The blacks in South Africa are inferior beings and they’d never be free from mental slavery. Apartheid won!
“Chidimma wasn’t the problem. Since they couldn’t vent their anger on their oppressors, they decided to look for another person, a black person who they can pour their anger on. That’s how tamed wild animals behave. It’s a shithole they’d never get out of.
“Most farmlands are owned by whites in South Africa lol. They are in charge of most industries.”
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
