Miss SA Mia le Roux withdraws from Miss Universe due to health concerns

Former Miss SA was set to represent the country at 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, USA

Le Roux has been battling with Covid-19 and is still experiencing after-effects

Miss South Africa 2022, Ndavi Nokeri, will now represent the country at the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, USA.

Le Roux, 25, announced her withdrawal from the pageant on Sunday, saying that she had been battling with Covid-19 and was still experiencing after-effects.

In a statement, Le Roux said: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from the Miss Universe pageant. I have been battling with Covid-19 and, while I am now recovering, I am still experiencing after-effects that would prevent me from competing to the best of my ability."

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to have represented South Africa at Miss Universe. It has been an honour and a privilege, and I wish Ndavi Nokeri all the best in the competition," she added.

Nokeri, 23, was the first runner-up in the Miss South Africa 2022 pageant. She is a model and medical student from Limpopo.

The Miss Universe pageant will be held on January 14, 2023.