Mia Le Roux Becomes First Hearing-Impaired Woman to Win Miss South Africa Show

History was made on Saturday, 10th August at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria when Mia Le Roux was crowned Miss South Africa 2024. The 28-year-old model and marketing manager from Sassleberg, Free State, became the first hearing-impaired woman to win the prestigious title, shattering stereotypes and inspiring millions.

Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at just one year old, Mia’s journey to the Miss South Africa crown has been nothing short of extraordinary. Overcoming numerous challenges, she has defied expectations and proved that disability is no barrier to achieving one’s dreams.

Her victory is a significant milestone for the deaf community in South Africa, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and representation. Mia’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. In her acceptance speech, she expressed hope that her victory would inspire those who feel marginalised to pursue their “wildest dreams” and emphasised her commitment to supporting those who are “financially excluded or differently abled.”

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.

As your Miss South Africa, I want to partner with the government, corporate South Africa, and anyone who is able to help. To help the financially excluded or being differently able to achieve their wildest dreams just like I am tonight.

Mia gets a cash prize of $53,371, a Mercedes Benz, and a furnished luxury apartment as the winning prize.

Mia Le Roux’s emergence followed Nigerian-affiliated model, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina’s withdrawal from the contest after she attracted scrutiny over her nationality.

Adetshina, a model of Nigerian and Mozambican heritage, became the centre of a nationality row in July after she qualified for the round of 16 of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant.

She recently withdrew from the competition despite being a Top 11 Finalist, after the South African Department of Home Affairs alleged that her mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.