Miss South Africa Mia le Roux will not represent the country at the upcoming Miss Supranational 2025 pageant, marking a notable trend in the Miss South Africa organization as reigning titleholders increasingly opt out of international competitions. The announcement was made by the Miss South Africa Organisation, which confirmed that le Roux’s decision follows in the footsteps of her predecessor, Natasha Joubert, who also chose not to participate in international pageants.
Scheduled for Friday, June 27, 2025, in Poland, the Miss Supranational pageant will see reigning queen Harashta Haifa Zahra of Indonesia crown her successor. The Miss South Africa Organisation expressed its gratitude to fans in a statement, saying: “With heartfelt gratitude to our incredible fans, we share that Miss South Africa will not participate in the Miss Supranational 2025 competition, set for June in Poland.” They further stated, “We deeply value the memories and connections of this event.”
This marks the second time that le Roux has stepped back from an international competition, having previously withdrawn from the 73rd Miss Universe pageant last year due to health concerns. In an interview with YOU Magazine at the time, the 29-year-old expressed her desire to represent her country, stating, “I wanted to walk on that stage because I wanted to make my country and myself proud. But even though I experienced a disappointment, I also had peace in my heart. I truly gave my all.”
Previously, Miss South Africa runner-up Bryoni Govender represented the country at the Miss Supranational pageant after Joubert opted out, finishing in the top 12 and winning the People’s Choice Award along with the Miss Supranational Africa 2023 title. Former Miss South Africa, Lalela Mswane, who represented the country in 2021, won the Miss Supranational title that year, showcasing the potential for South African representatives to excel on international stages.
In a related development, the Miss South Africa Organisation has officially ended its partnership with the Miss Supranational pageant, confirming that it will no longer send a contestant to represent the country. This decision follows a similar move two years ago when the organization parted ways with Miss World. Miss SA CEO Stephanie Weil emphasized that the decision to withdraw from Miss Supranational was not related to Mia le Roux’s choice to step back from the competition.
In a social media statement, the Miss South Africa Organisation shared: “The Miss South Africa Organisation has decided not to participate in the Miss Supranational 2025 competition and will not be renewing its licence for the international pageant.” They also addressed the rumors surrounding the decision, clarifying that it was “not attributed to Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, nor the runner-up, Nompumelelo Maduna.”
Miss SA first participated in the Miss Supranational pageant in 2021, when representative Thato Mosehle was crowned the second runner-up. The following year, Lalela Mswane went on to win the title, and in 2023, runner-up Ayanda Thabethe made it to the Top 5. The organization’s recent decisions have raised questions about the future of South African representation in international beauty pageants.
As the Miss Supranational 2025 pageant approaches, the Miss Supranational Organisation president, Gerhard Parzutka von Lipinski, expressed excitement about returning to Poland, where the pageant has been hosted for the past four years. He stated, “We look forward to showcasing the beauty, culture and vibrant soul of Malopska as the candidates form new friendships during what we hope will be their most memorable summer ever.”
Meanwhile, the Miss South Africa Organisation's decision to withdraw from the pageant has sparked discussions among fans and followers. Many are curious about the implications of this move for the future of beauty pageants in South Africa, especially considering the successes of past representatives like Mswane and Govender.
In a noteworthy development, Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala, crowned Miss SA in 2010 and married to former Bafana Bafana player Simphiwe Tshabalala, has been appointed as the new director of Miss Supranational South Africa. In her announcement, she expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I feel so honoured that I am the new director of Miss Supranational South Africa. I am so excited. And I cannot wait to see lives changed through this beautiful platform.”
The Miss South Africa Organisation has a rich history in beauty pageants, and its recent decisions reflect a significant shift in strategy. As the organization moves forward, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact future representatives and the overall presence of South Africa in international beauty competitions.
While Mia le Roux’s absence at the Miss Supranational 2025 pageant is a disappointment for fans, the Miss South Africa Organisation’s focus on strategic partnerships and representation will likely shape the future of the pageant landscape in the country.
As the countdown to Miss Supranational 2025 continues, the eyes of South Africa will be on the organization’s next steps, hoping for a return to the international stage that showcases the country’s diverse beauty and talent.
