The sky was the start but never the limit for newly crowned Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, who trail-blazed her way into the pageant as the first differently-abled woman to reach the finals and win the title.
DeafSA said Le Roux’s resilience during the pageant elimination stages was inspiring and gave hope to differently-abled communities.
In her acceptance speech, Le Roux reflected on how she never would have thought that “someone like me could become Miss South Africa” and said her winning the title was a message to little girls that they could also achieve their dreams with determination and hard work.
Le Roux was born in Sasolburg, Free State, raised in Oudtshoorn and currently lives and works in Cape Town as a marketing manager, model and part-time BCom Marketing student.
She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of 1 and said her community rallied behind her to give her the gift of hearing, inspiring her desire to make a positive impact and break barriers.
“At the tender age of 2, I was blessed by my community with the gift of a cochlear implant.
“Family, friends and strangers rallied to raise funds for this operation – a life-changing opportunity that allowed me to hear.
“It was also the start of a long journey to listen to sound and connect with the world through speech, a journey that also taught me to never give up.
“It took two years of speech therapy and continued repetition of words before I looked up to the sky one day and said my first four words: ‘Kyk daar, wit wolke’ (look there, white clouds).
“The Miss South Africa Organisation has provided me with a powerful platform to advocate for change and to inspire others.
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and I am committed to using it to address the issues that affect our communities by working with the government, corporate South Africa and anyone who is able and willing to play their part.
“South Africans face many challenges, from financial exclusion and lack of access to resources, to the struggles faced by those who are differently abled. These are not just issues; they are opportunities for us all to come together and build a more inclusive and supportive society,” said Le Roux.
DeafSA’s provincial director, Jabaar Mohamed, said he had goosebumps as he watched Le Roux during the competition.
“The first deaf pageant (participant) in Miss South Africa is a really huge hat off to the organisers who accept and make it possible and inclusive.
“The representation of a hard-of-hearing/deaf individual winning Miss South Africa 2024 is a monumental step forward for inclusivity and visibility.
“It highlights the importance of breaking down barriers and ensuring that people from all walks of life are represented in such significant platforms. (We are) so proud of Mia,” said Mohamed.
Oudtshoorn Municipality’s newly elected mayor, Johan Allers, congratulated Le Roux.
“We are super proud of you,” said Allers.
Premier Alan Winde congratulated Le Roux on her victory.
“Continue to inspire,” said Winde.
Le Roux, as the new queen, will collect R1 million in cash from the Miss South Africa Organisation and throughout her year-long reign will drive in style in a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé after the keys were handed over to her on Sunday.
She will also live in a three-bed-roomed penthouse apartment at the exquisite Brookfield at Royal.
Cape Times