In a dazzling ceremony at Pretoria’s SunBet Arena on August 10, 2024, history was made as Mia le Roux, a 28-year-old from Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, was crowned Miss South Africa. Her victory is monumental – not just for her personal journey but for the countless individuals who see themselves reflected in her story. Mia is the first hearing-impaired woman to hold this title in the pageant’s 66-year history.
Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the tender age of one, Mia’s life was set on an extraordinary path. At two, her community rallied together, raising funds for a cochlear implant—a life-altering procedure that granted her the gift of hearing. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Mia shared, “It was also the start of a long journey to listen to sound and connect with the world through speech… 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.’”
Before her ascent to the Miss South Africa throne, Mia balanced a full-time role as a marketing manager at a start-up while pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing at Unisa. Her dedication, resilience, and grace have not only propelled her to personal success but have also positioned her as a beacon of hope for many.
Inspiring a Nation
Mia’s triumph resonates deeply within the deaf community. Bruno Druchen, National Director of Deaf SA, expressed, “This is so significant because a person like Mia understands the struggles of inclusivity and being excluded as a deaf person. It’s a huge achievement for her and the deaf community so we can shine a light on inclusivity in the community.”
Her victory sends a powerful message of empowerment and representation. “Mia is not only representing herself. There are a lot of hard-of-hearing and deaf women and young girls who will see that they are able to participate on these platforms and Mia has opened this door,” Druchen added.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Mia emphasized her commitment to advocacy and inclusivity: “Today, it is my turn to be your community, to be a voice for those who, like me, have experienced the challenges of being different and feeling excluded. I am here to serve as your representative, to champion the causes that matter to South Africans and to create a space where everyone can shine in their unique, beautiful way.”
Beyond the crown, Mia’s journey epitomizes the spirit of determination and the transformative power of community support. As she embarks on her reign, driving a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé and residing in a luxurious apartment at Brookfield at Royal in Kensington, Mia carries with her the hopes and dreams of many. Her story is a testament to the idea that with resilience and hard work, boundaries can be transcended, and dreams realized.
