In a historic and inspiring turn of events, Mia le Roux has been crowned as the first Deaf winner of the Miss South Africa pageant. Her victory is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for inclusivity and representation in beauty pageants worldwide.
“I am a proud South African deaf woman and know what it feels to be excluded. But thanks to the Miss South Africa Organization, I have a foot in the world of the included and I want to build a bridge between those two worlds.”
– Mia la Roux
Her Acceptance Speech
In her acceptance speech, le Roux expressed her hope that her win would inspire those who feel left out to achieve their “wildest dreams, just like I am.” She also aimed to support individuals who are “financially excluded or differently abled.” Her victory follows the withdrawal of finalist Chidimma Adetshina, who faced backlash over her Nigerian heritage and accusations about her mother’s identity.
Mia le Roux’s Early Years
Mia’s journey was not without challenges. Growing up Deaf, she faced numerous obstacles in a world that often overlooks or misunderstands individuals with hearing loss. Rather than seeing her Deafness as a barrier, she embraced it as a unique aspect of her identity. Throughout the competition, Mia used a cochlear implant and speech to communicate, highlighting the importance of inclusive communication.
Mia’s success serves as an inspiration not only to individuals with disabilities but to everyone who faces challenges on their path to achieving their dreams. She demonstrates that limitations are often in the mind and that with determination and resilience, anything is possible. Upon her victory, Miss Le Roux expressed: “I am a proud South African deaf woman and know what it feels to be excluded. But thanks to the Miss South Africa Organization, I have a foot in the world of the included and I want to build a bridge between those two worlds.”
Mia le Roux as Miss South Africa
While preparing for her first shoot as Miss South Africa, the beauty queen took the chance to share more about herself with fans and followers of the pageant.
In an Instagram reel posted by the official Miss South Africa organization, we learn more about le Roux, including her most irrational fear: “An irrational fear that I have is the fear of heights because my balance is not the best, but I try to make it work,” she says.
As the reigning Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux will represent her country on international stages and work on various initiatives to promote inclusivity and diversity. Her win is a testament to the power of breaking barriers and shattering ceilings, encouraging future generations to pursue their dreams without fear of limitations.
In a world that is slowly awakening to the beauty of diversity, Mia le Roux stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of progress, reminding us that beauty truly knows no bounds.
