Mia le Roux makes history as first hearing-impaired woman to be crowned Miss SA

CAPE TOWN - An emotional Mia le Roux made history by being the first hearing-impaired woman to be crowned Miss South Africa.

The 28-year-old marketing manager and part-time student takes over the reins from Natasha Joubert.

Le Roux, who hails from Sasolburg in the Free State, beat Nompumelelo Maduna and Onalenna Constantin.

Le Roux, who was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one, made history by being the competition’s first hearing-impaired winner.

The event was marred with controversy after 23-year-old Chidimma Adetshina's abrupt withdrawal from the pageant.

Last week, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed the 23-year-old's mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.

The department did, however, clarify that Adetshina could not have participated in her mother's alleged unlawful actions as she was an infant at the time.