The newly crowned Miss SA Mia Le Roux has fiercely defended her former colleague Chidimma Adetshina, claiming that the latter “deserved” a spot in the pageant.
Just days before the finale, the 23-year-old model pulled out of the competition due to questions and concerns about her nationality.
Chidimma – who has a Nigerian father and an alleged Mozambican mother – has come under fire amid an investigation by the Department of Home Affairs.
MIA LE ROUX DEFENDS CHIDIMMA
Just days before the finale, Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber released “prima facie” evidence suggesting Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft when registering her birth.
This led to the young woman being targeted by angry South Africans – including politicians – who demanded she withdraw from the competition.
Chidimma ultimately stepped down, citing a fear over her safety and well-being.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Mia Le Roux claimed that Chidimma did not receive the hate on social media.
She said: “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.
Responding to Chidimma’s critics, the Miss SA queen 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.”
Watch the full interview below…
‘YOU REPRESENT US ALL’
After being crowned the new Miss SA 2024, Chidimma Adetshina sent her well-wishes to Mia Le Roux
She shared in an Instagram Story: “You represent us all. To make the excluded be included.”
She added: “All the best on your reign, queen.”
Image via Instagram:
@chichi_vanessa
In her mission statement, Mia le Roux emphasised the importance of recognising differently abled people in society, such as herself.
The model and marketing manager said after her crowning: “I am a proudly South African deaf woman, and I know what it feels like to be excluded.
“I know now that I was put on this planet to break boundaries, and I did it tonight.”
DID MIA LE ROUX DO THE RIGHT THING DEFENDING CHIDIMMA?
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