Mia Le Roux, the newly crowned Miss South Africa, has condemned the online hate directed at Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant in this year’s pageant.
Chidimma, whose eligibility for this year’s competition was called into question due to her nationality, became the centre of controversy after advancing to the top 16.
Social media platforms, particularly X, saw a surge of criticism, predominantly from South Africans, with many calling for her disqualification.
In response to the outcry, the South African ministry of home affairs initiated an investigation into her nationality.
Following the investigation, the model, who is of Nigerian heritage, chose to withdraw from the competition.
On August 10, Mia Le Roux was crowned Miss South Africa. During a subsequent interview with Newzroom Afrika, she addressed the controversy surrounding Chidimma’s nationality.
She expressed disappointment over Chidimma’s exclusion from the competition and called for greater unity and inclusivity.
She also urged South Africans to “do better” in showing support rather than creating divisions.
“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 is phenomenal, powerful, and beautiful in her own right. She deserved her spot on Miss South Africa,” she said.
“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.”
On Wednesday, Chidimma accepted the invitation to participate in this year’s Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.
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