LOOK: SA disappointed with Mia le Roux's national costume
Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, finally got to wear the national costume she would've worn at the Miss Universe competition, and let's just say South Africa was not happy.
South Africans have been eagerly waiting to see this year’s national costume, which Miss SA Mia le Roux would have worn at the Miss Universe competition.
Unfortunately, Le Roux had to withdraw due to severe vertigo related to her hearing impairment.
"On the night of the preliminary competition, I continued to push myself, and I was ready in my national costume to showcase it proudly. But my body was just saying no, and my vertigo intensified and became unmanageable," she said.
READ: Mia le Roux withdraws from Miss Universe pageant
Luckily, the 28-year-old eventually got to show off this year's national costume during the Africa Fashion International (AFI) Cape Town Fashion Week, which took place on 29 and 30 November 2024, at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse.
"My national costume is a tribute to the diversity that defines my heritage. In my spirit, in my environment, and in the abundance of creativity that is being created and shared by South African artists, I resonate with the bold, colourful, and vibrant expressions that reflect our complexity," said Le Roux.
After Miss South Africa posted pictures of the national costume on their official social media pages, South Africans had a lot to say.
While some shared their love for the pageant queen and her colourful Ndebele-inspired gown, others voiced disappointment.
Here is what South Africa had to say:
Moeletsi Mokhantso said: "This can’t be it."
@ i_am_mangema said: "If this is what Mia was going to be wearing!? Then, her not participating was a blessing in disguise! Cause what level of embarrassment is this?"
Katekani Kats: "Poor MIA reading all these comments would think we don't like her. Noo.. We love you so much, queen it’s just the costume we don’t agree with. Yes we hear the message behind it but aowa enough is enough!"
Sir Kitso Thihira: "Maybe the withdrawal wasn't a bad thing yazi."
READ: Mia le Roux: "I didn't always believe someone like me could be Miss SA"
In a statement regarding the meaning behind the dress, the Miss South Africa social media post explained:
"Mia le Roux's national costume was crafted in collaboration with Hollywood Costumes and Africa Fashion International- AFI through the Esther Mahlangu Foundation. It features a stunning Ndebele-inspired gown, an original artwork by Dr. Esther Mahlangu. This piece celebrates South Africa’s cultural richness and interconnectedness.
"The white cloud wings, accompanying the Dr. Mahlangu gown, are crafted from feathers sourced by Cape Karoo International in Mia’s hometown of Oudtshoorn and were brought to life by Hollywood Costumes. These wings are inspired by Mia’s own journey, symbolizing her first spoken words after receiving her cochlear implant: ‘Look there, white clouds.’ Now, her voice reaches across the world, sharing a message of hope and unity."
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', on weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
IMAGE: Instagram/ Miss South Africa