Meet first deaf Miss South Africa 2024, Mia le Roux

In a groundbreaking turn of events, Mia le Roux has made history by becoming the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa.

The competition was not without controversy, as one finalist, Chidimma Adetshina, withdrew amidst allegations surrounding her heritage.

Despite the challenges faced, Mia le Roux emerged victorious, delivering an acceptance speech that resonated with hope and inclusivity.

Mia le Roux’s victory marks a significant milestone in the realm of beauty pageants, shedding light on the importance of representation and breaking down barriers.

In her acceptance speech, she expressed her desire to empower those who have felt marginalized by society, urging them to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

At the age of one, Mia le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, a challenge she has courageously overcome with the help of a cochlear implant.

It took her two years of intensive speech therapy to utter her first words, a testament to her resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

“I am proudly South African deaf woman and I know what it feels like to be excluded. I know now that I was put on this planet to break boundaries and I did it tonight,” declared Mia le Roux after her historic win.

The journey to the crown was not without its obstacles, as another finalist, Chidimma Adetshina, faced intense scrutiny over her heritage.

Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a mother of Mozambican origin, Chidimma Adetshina found herself at the center of a social media storm, with allegations surrounding her mother’s identity surfacing.

Amidst the turmoil, Chidimma Adetshina made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition, citing the toxic environment of online trolling and the xenophobic sentiment that permeated the discourse.

She bravely spoke out against the “black-on-black hate” she experienced, shedding light on the harsh reality of afrophobia that targets individuals from other countries in South Africa.

Despite the challenges faced by both finalists, Mia le Roux’s victory stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for individuals who have been marginalized or excluded.

Her win symbolizes the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit to defy expectations and pave a way for inclusivity and diversity.

As Mia le Roux embarks on her journey as Miss South Africa 2024, she carries with her a message of empowerment and advocacy for those who have been overlooked or sidelined.

Her triumph serves as a reminder that beauty knows no boundaries and that true strength lies in embracing one’s unique identity and using it as a force for positive change.

In a world that often seeks to divide, Mia le Roux’s historic win serves as a testament to the power of unity, acceptance, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams, regardless of the challenges that may stand in the way.

Who is Mia le Roux?

In a world where beauty pageants often showcase a singular image of perfection, Mia le Roux is a refreshing and inspiring breath of fresh air. The newly crowned Miss South Africa 2024 is not just a stunning face and a graceful presence on stage, but she is also a trailblazer, a symbol of resilience, and a beacon of hope for millions around the world.

Born in Sasolburg, Free State in 1996, Mia le Roux’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. At the tender age of one, she was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, a condition that could have easily become a hindrance in her life. However, Mia did not let her disability define her. With the support of her family and community, she was fitted with a cochlear implant that allowed her to navigate the world of sound and communication with more ease.

Growing up in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, Mia le Roux faced challenges that many of us can only imagine. Despite her hearing impairment, she pursued her education with unwavering determination. She attended Oudtshoorn High School and later earned a nutrition certificate from the Sport Science Institute of South Africa, followed by an exercise specialist diploma from Eta College. Currently, she is a part-time Marketing student at the University of South Africa, proving that nothing is out of reach if you have the passion and drive to pursue your dreams.

Mia le Roux’s professional life is equally impressive. As a marketing manager and part-time model, she has carved a niche for herself in the competitive world of branding and promotions. Her dedication to her work and her commitment to excellence have set her apart as a rising star in the industry.

However, it was her recent victory at Miss South Africa 2024 that catapulted Mia le Roux into the spotlight. Competing against nine other talented contestants at the prestigious SunBet Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria, Mia captivated the audience and the judges with her grace, poise, and inner strength. Her crowning moment on 10 August marked a historic milestone not just for Mia, but for the entire nation.

What makes Mia le Roux’s win even more significant is the fact that she will be the first woman with a physical disability to grace the Miss Universe stage. As she prepares to represent South Africa at the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 pageant, Mia le Roux’s presence will be a powerful reminder of the beauty of diversity and the importance of inclusivity in the world of fashion and beauty.

Mia le Roux’s journey from a small town in South Africa to the international stage is a testament to the power of perseverance, the beauty of diversity, and the resilience of the human spirit. She is not just a beauty queen; she is a role model, an inspiration, and a symbol of hope for anyone facing challenges in their lives.

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