Miss SA 2024 Mia le Roux's role at the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group meeting fuels social media debate
Mia le Roux's attendance at the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group meeting at the Union Buildings ignited a heated online debate regarding her participation as a beauty queen.
Image: Instagram
An online debate on X was sparked after Miss SA 2024, Mia le Roux, was spotted engaging in a conversation with President Cyril Ramaphosa while attending the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group meeting.
Le Roux attended the meeting, which took place on Friday, July 11, at the Union Building and was held by Ramaphosa as well as the Eminent Persons Group to address and find solutions to tackle issues that are happening in South Africa.
The Eminent Persons Group is made up of leading figures in society with a proven commitment to advancing social cohesion and nation-building.
The beauty queen was among prominent figures in SA, including legendary actor Dr John Kani, Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman, social activist Dr Brigalia Bam, among many others.
After she was crowned Miss SA 2024, Le Roux shared with the nation that her advocacy was inclusivity and to create a sense of belonging for everyone, including those living with disabilities.
During a brief interview shared on the Presidency's official X page, Le Roux explained her belief in the importance of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group Meeting for society.
“I believe that this National Dialogue is important because, as someone who has always felt unheard, who never had a voice, this is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard. And you really do have an opportunity to have your say, and I’m here to ensure that there is credibility to the process,” she shared.
Despite revealing the reason why she is a part of the dialogue, Le Roux faced criticism from some online users who claimed and questioned how she fits into the dialogue.
X user @Jenna_original2 captioned her post: “How does Mia le Roux fit into this dialogue? What does she know about the struggles of black South Africans?”
This post sparked a division among social media users as many advocated for her attendance and shared that she represents people living with disabilities.
“I think she’s representing people with disabilities,” @Nelisiwe94 shared.
While @Mantsi_ added: “I guess she represents people living with disabilities, she is Miss South Africa and I guess the dialogue is about SOUTH AFRICANS.”
Despite social media users questioning Le Roux’s attendance, it is undeniable that the beauty queen has changed the stigma and the capabilities of people living with disabilities.