A historic first for South Africa: Deaf Miss SA
Mia le Roux made history on Saturday by being crowned the first deaf Miss South Africa during the Miss SA pageant in Pretoria.
Mia le Roux made history on Saturday, August 10, 2024, by being crowned the first deaf Miss South Africa. The event was held at the Sun Bet Arena at Time Square in Menlyn, Pretoria.
Who is Mia le Roux?
Mia le Roux, 28, was born in Sasolburg in the Free State and raised in Oudtshoorn, as reported by Jacaranda FM. She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one.
Oudtshoorn is situated in the Klein Karoo in the Western Cape province and is is known as the ostrich capital of the region. Mountains surround the town on all sides. The town’s main attractions include the annual Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) and the Cango Caves, the largest show cave in Africa.
Le Roux is a model and works as a Marketing Manager. Additionally, she is studying BCom Marketing part-time.
SABC News reported that the newly crowned Miss South Africa describes herself as resilient, dedicated, graceful and kind.
In her application for the Miss SA for the pageant, she stated that she believes that she deserves the title as she embodies ‘resilience, strength and the ubuntu spirit within South Africa’. She added that ‘as a deaf woman with a cochlear implant, I represent a community that often goes unheard’.
“I am here to prove that, despite being differently-abled, it has not affected me. My journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination we all possess.”
Mia le RouxTaking over from last year’s winner
Le Roux takes over from Miss SA 2023, Natasha Joubert, from Tshwane.
“A woman who can self-reflect and constantly work on herself, challenge herself and reflect when it is needed. A difference maker is someone who has claimed her vulnerabilities and opens the conversation up in order for others to do the same.”
Natasha JoubertWhat is next for Miss SA?
Miss South Africa is not a once-off event. Winning the title of Miss SA means becoming an ambassador for the country and a champion of women’s rights. Additionally, Miss SA should be a thought leader who inspire other young South Africans to fulfil their potential, recognise their self-worth, and find their place in the world.
Therefore, being crowned Miss SA is only the start of many duties and responsibilities.
Watch the Miss South Africa 2024 Press Conference video here.
Miss Universe
A deaf Miss SA is a first for South Africa, but it will also be a first for the Miss Universe pageant. Mia le Roux will be the first contestant at the Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico with such a disability to take part in the competition.
The Miss Universe 2024 pageant will be the 73nd pageant and will be held in September.
The reigning Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, will crown her successor at this event. It will be the first time that Mexico hosts the pageant since 2007.