The last-minute withdrawal means South Africa will not be represented at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, where Ms Le Roux is among 120 beauty queens vying for the coveted title.

“It has been incredibly difficult to make this decision knowing the dreams and hopes placed on me,” he said in the statement.

“But I am so grateful for the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I can continue to serve my country at full strength.”

He did not disclose the nature of his health problem.

The Miss South Africa organization said Ms Le Roux showed “incredible courage and grace during this difficult time”.

“Our hearts go out to him as he takes the necessary steps towards recovery,” the organization added.

Last month, Ms. Le Roux expressed her excitement at the chance to represent South Africa on the Miss Universe stage, calling it “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for my voice to be heard.”

He later said he hoped to showcase his country’s “beautiful diversity”.

When he was one year old, he was diagnosed with profound hearing loss and received a cochlear implant to help him perceive sound.

In a previous interview, he said it took two years of speech therapy before he was able to say his first words. He spoke passionately about his journey, acknowledging the challenges he faced.