Mia le Roux has made history as the first hearing-impaired Miss South Africa, inspiring hope and breaking barriers with her victory.
Pretoria, South Africa (12 August 2024) – Representation is the cornerstone of progress, and Mia le Roux has just made history by becoming the first hearing-impaired woman to be crowned Miss South Africa in the pageant’s 66-year history.
Her victory goes beyond personal triumph, marking a significant stride towards inclusivity and the celebration of diverse abilities.
At the age of 28, Mia stood on the glittering stage of the Sun Bet Arena in Pretoria, embodying the hopes and dreams of many. Born in Sasolburg in the Free State and raised in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, her journey has been anything but ordinary. Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one-year-old, Mia’s life could have taken a very different turn. However, with the unwavering support of her community, she was given the gift of hearing—a gift that not only changed her life but also fueled her passion for breaking barriers and making a positive impact.
The Miss South Africa pageant has long been recognised as more than just a beauty contest; it’s a leadership platform for ambitious young women in the country. Through this journey, contestants receive world-class coaching, advanced networking opportunities, and the life skills necessary to become champions of women’s rights and thought leaders. Mia’s triumph, therefore, represents a significant step forward, proving that with resilience, dedication, and grace, no challenge is insurmountable.
Mia herself describes these qualities as central to her identity—resilient, dedicated, graceful, and kind. Her victory sends a powerful message that our differences are not limitations but strengths that can inspire others to recognise their own potential and self-worth. She stands as a shining example of what it means to break through the barriers of societal expectations and rise to the top.
In a heartfelt message on X, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie congratulated her, saying, “Congratulations to our South African Queen Mia le Roux. I know you will represent us well at Miss Universe.”
Mia’s win unites us in the belief that anything is possible. She doesn’t just hold a crown; she holds the hopes of many who now know that they, too, can achieve greatness, no matter the challenges they face.
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