Mia Le Roux’s Comeback? Miss South Africa 2024 Could Finally Shine At Miss Universe 2025

Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, may finally step into the international spotlight at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand this November.

The 23-year-old beauty queen—who made history as the first hearing-impaired Miss SA—was forced to withdraw from the 2024 competition after battling a severe case of vertigo.

Now, with the Miss SA Organisation under new ownership by the Motsepe Group of Companies, speculation is growing: will Mia get her long-awaited chance at the Miss Universe crown?

Why Mia Still Has a Shot at Miss Universe 2025

Pageant expert Rina Hendricks believes Mia may technically still be eligible. “Technically, Mia Le Roux hasn’t competed at Miss Universe,” Hendricks explained. “She’s in the grey zone where she didn’t compete because she didn’t go to the preliminary competition. It is definitely an opinion.”

Since Miss Universe rules prohibit a contestant from competing more than once, this loophole could mean Mia’s name remains in contention.

Organisers could, however, choose another candidate, such as runner-up Nompumelelo Maduna—but many fans are rallying for Mia’s redemption story.

Mia Le Roux on Withdrawing: “My Body Said No”

Mia has been open about her health struggles during the Miss Universe 2024 journey. In a candid Instagram video, she revealed how vertigo derailed her dream.

“Mentally, I was very strong. I was ready, but physically my body was taking a lot of strain, and I even had to seek medical help in Mexico City. And even after the medical help, my condition still wasn’t improving,” she shared.

On the night of the preliminary competition, Mia was prepared in her national costume, but her health reached a breaking point.

“My body was just saying no, and my vertigo intensified and became unmanageable,” she recalled.

The condition left her struggling with balance and falling repeatedly. “I had to very quickly realise and be at peace with the fact that this was not the road that was meant for me.”

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With the Miss South Africa pageant postponed indefinitely, Mia continues her reign more than a year after her historic win. The spotlight now turns to November in Thailand, where the question remains:

Will South Africa send its reigning queen, Mia Le Roux, for a long-awaited Miss Universe debut—or will the crown pass to another hopeful?

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