The Miss South Africa Organisation has confirmed its decision to withdraw from the Miss Supranational 2025 pageant, set to take place in June in Poland.
This announcement, made on Thursday, follows a challenging period for the organisation and its reigning titleholder, Mia le Roux, who also withdrew from the Miss Universe 2024 competition due to health concerns.
Second year of SA absence
The absence of a South African representative at Miss Supranational marks the second consecutive year that the nation will not participate in a major international pageant, prompting mixed reactions from fans and stakeholders.
In an official statement, the Miss South Africa Organisation expressed gratitude to its supporters while addressing the decision.
“We deeply value the unwavering support of our fans and stakeholders,” said the organisation in a statement.
“After careful consideration, we have decided not to participate in Miss Supranational 2025. This decision aligns with our commitment to prioritising the well-being of our titleholder and the strategic direction of our organisation.”
The statement did not elaborate on specific reasons for the withdrawal. And this left room for speculation among pageant enthusiasts.
Current Miss SA health challenges
Mia le Roux, crowned Miss South Africa 2024, has faced significant challenges during her reign. Her withdrawal from Miss Universe 2024 was attributed to health issues, which the organisation described as requiring “focused recovery time”.
Le Roux, the first deaf woman to win the Miss South Africa title, has been a trailblazer, inspiring many with her resilience and advocacy for inclusivity. Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “Representing South Africa has been an honour. And I remain committed to serving my country in every way I can. I’m grateful for the love and understanding from my supporters during this time.”
Her absence from international stages has disappointed fans who hoped to see her compete globally.
South Africa has historically performed well in the Miss Supranational pageant platform . The pageant is Known for celebrating diversity and empowerment.
Domestic initiatives
The decision to forgo participation has sparked discussions about the organisation’s priorities. Also on the pressures faced by titleholders.
The Miss SA Organisation has promised to focus on domestic initiatives. Its upcoming projects are aimed at empowering young women and promoting social causes.
“Our focus remains on creating meaningful impact locally while preparing for future opportunities,” the statement concluded.