By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image Supplied.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced that it will no longer broadcast the 2024 Miss Universe Pageant.
The 73rd Miss Universe pageant will be held in Mexico City, Mexico on November 17.
The broadcast was scheduled on S3, the channel made the announcement on Friday after Miss Universe South Africa, Mia le Roux, withdrew from the pageant.
After careful consideration, S3 decided that they would no longer be broadcasting the finale since South Africa was not in the running.
“S3 regrets to inform viewers that, due to Mia Le Roux’s withdrawal from the 2024 Miss Universe Pageant, the channel will no longer broadcast this year’s contest on Sunday, November 17, 2024,” read the channel statement.
Le Roux, crowned Miss South Africa on August 10, said she was grateful for all the love and support her fellow South Africans have shown her throughout her Miss Universe journey.
“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.
“However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength,” she said.
Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one. However, with a strong support system, she was given the gift of hearing when she received a cochlear implant when she was two years old.
While some South Africans were disappointed at the broadcaster’s cancellation because they were looking forward to seeing other girls on stage, others were satisfied with S3’s decision to pull the plug.