Miss South Africa Mia le Roux says she has given it her all in her preparations ahead of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant to be held in Mexico City, Mexico, on Saturday, November 16.
She was speaking at her farewell which was held at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton with Le Roux’s parents Schalk and Liesel in attendance.
Le Roux also showed off some of the special outfits created for her to wear during her time in Mexico by Africa Fashion International (AFI), which is the official fashion sponsor for Miss South Africa 2024. AFI has been a catalyst for progress in African fashion since it was founded in 2007 by Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
Says Dr Moloi-Motsepe: “This partnership between AFI and the Miss South Africa Organisation, both under the Motsepe Group of Companies, is a reflection of our commitment to celebrating African talent and showcasing it to a global audience.
“AFI Atelier’s wardrobe for Mia at Miss Universe showcases our core values of innovation, excellence and a passion for craftsmanship. Through this synergy we are reinforcing our dedication to empowering women, while shining a spotlight on Africa’s rising influence in global fashion, of which Miss Universe is a great platform for both.”
The two outfits shown at the event – both by the AFI Atelier designers – will be worn by Le Roux in the days leading to the finale.
Le Roux says she was looking forward to representing South Africa at Miss Universe: “The Miss South African Organisation team and I have been working on every aspect so I can be an elevated version of myself,” she told the gathered audience. “I feel incredibly proud and honoured by this opportunity and privilege that has been entrusted to me. I cannot wait to highlight the beautiful diversity of our country and show that it is our biggest strength.”
She says she is trying not to feel too much pressure as she walks in the footsteps of previous Miss South Africa title holders on the Miss Universe stage and as the first ever deaf contestant to compete.
“I try to view this as the opportunity and experience of a lifetime where my voice can be heard and I can hopefully help to shine a light upon the blind spots of our world while carrying my beautiful country within my heart. I believe my advantage is that I have a powerful story that needs to be heard. Someone once said that I did well with Miss South Africa because of the struggle I represent. But I say I did well because of the victory I represent and I believe that is my advantage.
“My parents were unsure if I would ever speak and now I am using the very same voice to be heard like I have never been heard before. I am speaking for every excluded individual out there with the goal to bring a future of hope and opportunity to them. I am going to do my best to make them, and all South Africans, proud.”
She will also continue to shine the spotlight on her Miss South Africa advocacy campaign Mia Le Roux’s Movement, where she will be working with government, big corporations and NGOs to raise money for cochlear implants and continue promoting inclusivity among a number of projects.
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. S3 is the official broadcast partner.
