DESPITE the negativity that almost ruined Miss SA 2024, a good story came out of it.
Yes, South Africa is synonymous for treading where others have not. And the world should take cognisance of that, since in the history of the Miss South Africa pageant a differently-abled contestant was the winner!
On Saturday evening, the gorgeous Mia Le Roux was named as the 2024 Miss SA beauty pageant, that entered its 66th edition.
She outsmarted other strong contenders to bag the sough-after title, at the packed SunBet Arena auditorium, Pretoria.
The (28) born in Sasolburg but raised in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, is a marketing manager, model and part-time B Com Marketing student with UNISA. And yes, she was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one.
An overwhelmed Le Roux said she was delighted to wear the Mowana (“Tree of Life”) crown from Nungu Diamonds, supported by family.
She describes herself as resilient, dedicated, graceful and kind.
In her acceptance speech Le Roux said : “With a humble and grateful heart, I accept the incredible responsibility of being your Miss South Africa 2024. It is an honour that fills me with immense pride and gratitude, and I am deeply touched by the trust and confidence that South Africa has placed in me.
“As a little girl I never would have thought that someone like me could become Miss South Africa. It is extremely powerful what this could mean to other little girls – that even if you have something that makes you different, you still can achieve your dreams with determination and hard work.
“At the tender age of two, I was blessed by my community with the gift of a cochlear implant. Family, friends and strangers rallied to raise funds for this operation – a life-changing opportunity that allowed me to hear. It was also the start of a long journey to listen to sound and connect with the world through speech, a journey that also has taught me to never give up.
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.’
“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.
“The Miss South Africa Organisation has provided me with a powerful platform to advocate for change and to inspire others. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and I am committed to using it to address the issues that affect our communities by working with the government, corporate South Africa and anyone who is able and willing to play their part. South Africans face many challenges, from financial exclusion and lack of access to resources, to the struggles faced by those who are differently abled. These are not just issues; they are opportunities for us all to come together and build a more inclusive and supportive society.”
She receives R1 million in cash in a prize and sponsorship package that includes the use of a serviced apartment at the lavish Brookfield at Royal in Kensington, developed by Tricolt, for the year of her reign with homeware and accessories by Woolworths Home and gorgeous furniture by Schönn.
She will also get to drive a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé for the next 12 months.
Soweto’s Nompumelelo Maduna, was the runner up.
Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa Organisation extended her congratulations to the new queen, saying: “Mia embodies the Miss South Africa Organisation’s ethos that if you can dream it, you can achieve it.
She also embraces and personifies the organisation’s four pillars – duty, championship, empowerment and beauty, so I can think of no-one more fitting to wear the crown and we can’t wait to see what she achieves during her reign.
“Congratulations too, to Nompumelelo as well as the other finalists who gave it their all and made the final decision so difficult for the judges. We had such strong group of women all vying for the crown this year, which is a testament to the importance and value that the Miss South Africa title has come to stand for throughout the country.”
Radio presenter and entrepreneur DJ Sbu (MofaYa) and comedian ‘Papao’ Mashabela (Moringa Gin) also heaped praises on Mia for winning the title and to other contestants.
Both hosted the after-party attended by other business associates.
The negativity that almost befell the pageant due to inappropriate of obtaining illegal citizenry by one of the contestant’s made local and international headlines, some labelling SA as xenophobic and ill-treating our own.
After proper and legal routes that followed, the contestant decided upon herself to withdraw and let the show continue.
Images Mdu Mphahlele (Former Miss SA Natasha Joubert-left- handing over the crown to new Miss SA 2024, Mia Le Roux at the SunBet Arena, Pretoria on Saturday evening).
