South Africans are now supporting Miss Zimbabwe to take the Miss Universe crown

With Mia Le Roux no longer competing, numerous South Africans on social media are showing their support for Miss Zimbabwe, Sakhile Dube, to claim the Miss Universe title.

On the eve of the pageant finale, the SA model announced her exit, citing “health concerns.””

Sakhile is now considered a favourite on the African continent to win. Another popular pick is Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, whose controversial quest for the crown has been well documented in the media.

The 73rd Miss Universe takes place in Mexico City on Saturday, 16 November.

SA BACKS MISS ZIMBABWE AFTER MIA LE ROUX’S EXIT

On Friday, South Africans woke up to the devastating news that Miss SA Mia Le Roux had withdrawn from the Miss Universe competition. According to pageant insiders, this was allegedly due to a severe case of vertigo.

Following the news, social media users revealed their decision to support Miss Zimbabwe, Sakhile Dube. The 27-year-old fashion designer has been named a hot contender by several pageant predictors.

@LeboneMphahlele: “With Queen Mia South Africa out of the pageant, my money is definitely on Miss Universe Zimbabwe Sakhile.”

@Carolzizo138540: “Sakhile,  we are voting for you! All the best, as Miss South Africa has withdrawn!

@sivuyisematwa: “Okay, Fam, since Mia withdrew from the Miss Universe, let’s rally behind one of our own, Miss Zimbabwe. We love her.””

Even Anele Mdoda – a former Miss SA judge and presenter-  voiced her support. She tweeted: “This lady is our pick now that our Mia is looking after her health.”

WHO IS SAKHILE DUBE?

With all eyes on Miss Zimbabwe, here are five quick facts about Sakhile Dube

• She is a model fashion designer and has a degree in psychology.
• Sakhile is one of eight children and was born in Bulawayo. She has no links to SA.
• She has won previous beauty pageant titles, including Face of Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2018, Miss Tourism 2021, Miss Earth Zimbabwe 2022, and Miss Supranational Africa 2023
• She speaks Shona and English.
• Sakhile is the founder of the Zibusiso Foundation, which seeks to help vulnerable children with social support and education opportunities.