Kenya's beauty queen stands tall after South Africa's Roux quits

Controversy continued to dog Africa’s beauty queens at the Miss Universe finals after the reigning Miss South Africa crown holder pulled out of the competition at the 11th hour.

The withdrawal of Mia le Roux gives Kenya’s Irene Ng’endo an edge in the competition whose winner will be  crowned today.

Ng’endo has been the highlight in the past week. Mid this week, the Miss Universe Kenyan crown holder put on a spectacular show during the national costume and swimsuit preliminary phases in the event being held in Mexico, picking advantage points to advance to the top 30.

Kenya is in the competition after a four-year absence and all eyes have been on the Kenyan queen since the reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, visited Kenya to witness her crowning.

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In August, Roux made history as the first-ever deaf participant to win the Miss South Africa crown after a much-publicised controversy that saw one of the finalists, Chidimma Adetshina, withdraw following online bullying over her Nigerian roots.

Chidimma returned to Nigeria, contested for the Miss Universe Nigeria title and won and now is one of the top African girls aiming for at least the continental title in the Miss Universe finals.

Only hours into the grand ceremony, the Miss South Africa Organisation, which runs the Miss Universe South Africa pageant, in a statement cited health concerns as the reason for Mia le Roux’s withdrawal.

“It is with deep regret that we share the news that Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, has had to withdraw from the Miss Universe competition due to health concerns,” Miss South Africa Organisation said through a statement.

 “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me. However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength,” Mia Le Roux said.

 “Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period. Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health. Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery,” the Miss South Africa Organisation said.

In a competition with a record 130 participants, the preliminaries were offering the selection committee a chance to evaluate the participants and choose 25 of the 30 finalists. Too, four finalists were being selected regionally, representing Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia and Oceania.

This year’s finals, 73rd Miss Universe, is one of the most anticipated in the pageant’s history and only the bravest, if not the fairest of them all will take the crown. Besides the preliminary elimination hits where participants showcase swimwear and national costumes, personal statements and in-depth interviews are part of the jury verdict as the competition hits homestretch.