In a turn of events that has captured nationwide attention, the newly crowned Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux, has fiercely defended her former colleague, Chidimma Adetshina.
With only days to the finale, Adetshina, a 23-year-old model, pulled out from the competition amidst brewing concerns over her nationality.
Chidimma’s withdrawal came after an investigation led by the Department of Home Affairs. Minister Leon Schreiber presented ‘prima facie’ evidence suggesting that Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft while registering her birth.
With her father being Nigerian and her mother allegedly Mozambican, Chidimma found herself at the centre of a storm of accusations.
The scrutiny turned brutal as South Africans – including politicians – unequivocally demanded Chidimma’s withdrawal. Faced with an onslaught of social media hate and concerns for her safety, the young woman opted to step down.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Mia Le Roux launched a spirited defence of her colleague. “It was extremely hard for us because each one of us personally knows and loves Chichi. We truly believe that she did not deserve it, as we know she’s phenomenal, powerful, and beautiful in her own right. She deserved her spot on Miss South Africa,” Mia affirmed.
Addressing the critics, Le Roux emphasized that unity should be a guiding principle. “I stand for unity. I do not stand for people being divided. So, I do think we can do better in that aspect to support and include one another. Because she was excluded, and that is not okay,” she added.
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In a world where a beauty pageant is more than just glitz and glamour, Mia Le Roux’s unwavering stance brings to light the challenges of identity and inclusion. Will this defend Chidimma’s reputation? Only time will tell.
