Latest news with #MissSA2024
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Controversy reigns: inside the Miss South Africa pageant's most tumultuous year yet
Miss SA 2024, Mia le Roux who was a part of the pageant's controversies after she withdrew from the Miss Universe beauty pageant, a few hours before the finale. Image: Instagram The most popular and prestigious pageant in Mzansi, Miss South Africa, has been the talk of the town for the past few months, and it has not been for the right reasons. What was once regarded as a glamorous and riveting pageant has turned into a controversial pageant that has netizens raising eyebrows. From last year's scandal involving Chidimma Adetshina to the resignation of prominent people in the organisation and the postponement of the pageant itself, it has been a bumpy road for the glamorous event. Here are the top controversies of Miss SA that made headlines: Chidimma Adetshina's tumultuous journey in the beauty pageant world It all began with Nigeria's beauty queen, Chidimma Adetshina, whose citizenship was questioned by South Africans as they claimed online that her name is rather unfamiliar in South Africa. Every week, Adetshina would be trending all over social media as she faced online backlash with people calling for her withdrawal from the beauty pageant. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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It conducted an investigation and found prima facie evidence that her mother, Anabella Rungo, committed identity theft and fraud in the year that Adetshina was born, 2001. Just a few days before the finale, Adetshina announced that she was withdrawing from Miss SA due to the backlash and for the safety of her and her family. But her journey in the beauty pageant industry did not end there because soon after her withdrawal, the Miss Universe Nigeria organisation released a statement saying that they are inviting Adetshina to compete in their pageant. This turn of events stunned many as they did not anticipate Adetshina taking part in another beauty pageant. After the Miss SA finale show, the beauty queen took to Instagram to announce that she is accepting the invitation to participate in Nigeria. Adetshina rose against all odds as she won the crown of Miss Universe Nigeria and represented her home country at the globally acclaimed Miss Universe. The controversial beauty queen even made history for Nigeria as she reached the top two, making it the first time for the African country to reach that far in the competition since 2001. Mia le Roux withdrew from Miss Universe 2025 The entire nation in South Africa was excited and rallied behind the first-ever hearing-impaired beauty queen in the history of beauty pageants. Her participation in the industry was seen as inspirational and one of its kind; the excitement of having a beauty queen like Le Roux transformed a lot of people's perceptions about pageants. It also shifted how differently-abled people in our communities are viewed. Le Roux's impact showed that one's dream, no matter how far-fetched it may seem, is attainable. Le Roux showcased her journey, from the preparations to go to Mexico to the behind-the-scenes of what is happening in the glamorous Miss Universe competition. However, things took a turn when the Miss Universe organisation revealed that Le Roux had withdrawn from the competition, citing health reasons. A few days after the announcement, Le Roux came forward and revealed that she withdrew because she experienced vertigo symptoms, which took a physical strain on her and prompted her to bow out of the pageant, just a few hours before the finale. Werner Wessels left the Miss SA organisation In January, Werner Wessels shocked the nation after he announced his departure from the Miss SA organisation. Wessels took to Instagram as he shared a statement which confirmed that he is leaving the organisation and stepping down from his role as the creative director. His departure marked the end of a remarkable chapter since he played a pivotal role in guiding several South African queens to victory on the global stage. While his departure was a jaw-dropping announcement, Wessels later on joined the Miss Supranational organisation. The announcement of Wessels' new venture was announced by the president of the Miss Supranational organisation, Gerhard Parzutka von Lipsinski. Wessels was appointed the brand development consultant effective immediately. Miss South Africa organisation not participating in the 2025 Miss Supranational beauty pageant A few months after Werner left the organisation, Miss SA announced that it would not be participating in the Miss Supranational pageant for 2025. The announcement came after fans kept asking if either Le Roux or the Miss SA first runner-up, Nompumelelo Maduna, would represent Mzansi in Poland. In May, the organisation revealed that, based on a mutual decision, it would not take part in the global pageant, and the license for Miss Supranational was not renewed. Stephanie Weil stepped down as CEO While many were flabbergasted over the past events of what was taking place in the organisation, an announcement about someone leaving the organisation again followed, and this time it was the CEO. Miss SA shared a statement that an agreement about Weil leaving the organisation was reached. However, she will still continue to help the new team/organisers transition into their new roles. Many former beauty queens paid tribute to Weil on social media for her work in the organisation for all these years and the platform she gave them to help make their dreams come true. Miss SA organisation postponing the annual pageant For many South Africans or beauty pageant lovers, this was the nail in the coffin. What was deemed as an annual and celebrated pageant got postponed. Usually the Miss SA pageant took place from early on in the year in May until August. This time period was exciting for pageant enthusiasts as they would see the journey behind one becoming a beauty queen. However, in July, the organisation revealed that the highly anticipated and glitzy pageant will no longer be taking place in August as it has been pushed to a later date in the year. Netizens were left disappointed, but they expressed on social media that they saw the delay coming, while others shared that they do not think that there will be a Miss SA pageant this year.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Miss SA 2024 Mia le Roux's role at the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group meeting fuels social media debate
Mia le Roux's attendance at the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group meeting at the Union Buildings ignited a heated online debate regarding her participation as a beauty queen. Image: Instagram An online debate on X was sparked after Miss SA 2024, Mia le Roux, was spotted engaging in a conversation with President Cyril Ramaphosa while attending the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group meeting. Le Roux attended the meeting, which took place on Friday, July 11, at the Union Building and was held by Ramaphosa as well as the Eminent Persons Group to address and find solutions to tackle issues that are happening in South Africa. The Eminent Persons Group is made up of leading figures in society with a proven commitment to advancing social cohesion and nation-building. The beauty queen was among prominent figures in SA, including legendary actor Dr John Kani, Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman, social activist Dr Brigalia Bam, among many others. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ After she was crowned Miss SA 2024, Le Roux shared with the nation that her advocacy was inclusivity and to create a sense of belonging for everyone, including those living with disabilities. During a brief interview shared on the Presidency's official X page, Le Roux explained her belief in the importance of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group Meeting for society. 'As someone who has often felt their voice went unheard, the National Dialogue provides that opportunity for my voice to be heard…' ~Mia le Roux Miss South Africa Member: Eminent Persons Group — The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 11, 2025 'I believe that this National Dialogue is important because, as someone who has always felt unheard, who never had a voice, this is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard. And you really do have an opportunity to have your say, and I'm here to ensure that there is credibility to the process,' she shared. Despite revealing the reason why she is a part of the dialogue, Le Roux faced criticism from some online users who claimed and questioned how she fits into the dialogue. X user @Jenna_original2 captioned her post: 'How does Mia le Roux fit into this dialogue? What does she know about the struggles of black South Africans?' How does Mia Le Roux fit into this dialogue. What does she know about the struggles of black South Africans? — 🍉 Jenna_🇿🇦 🇵🇸 🇷🇺 (@Jenna_original2) July 13, 2025 This post sparked a division among social media users as many advocated for her attendance and shared that she represents people living with disabilities. 'I think she's representing people with disabilities,' @Nelisiwe94 shared. I think she's representing people with disabilities. — Nelisiwe (@Nelisiwe94) July 13, 2025 While @Mantsi_ added: 'I guess she represents people living with disabilities, she is Miss South Africa and I guess the dialogue is about SOUTH AFRICANS.' I guess she represent people living with disabilities, she is MISS SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦 and I guess the dialogue is about SOUTH AFRICANS🇿🇦 🤔! — C.M Mathekga (@Mantsi_) July 14, 2025 Despite social media users questioning Le Roux's attendance, it is undeniable that the beauty queen has changed the stigma and the capabilities of people living with disabilities.
