Mia le Roux from Cape Town in the Western Cape was crowned Miss South Africa 2024 at the spectacular 66th pageant finale held at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria on Saturday night. Picture: Yolanda van der Stoep / Miss SA Pageant Handout
Political parties have congratulated Mia le Roux for being crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
Le Roux, who is hearing-impaired, made history as the first deaf contestant to win the prestigious title. She was crowned Miss SA on Saturday night at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria East.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Lindelwa Dunjwa, lauded le Roux’s victory as a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration for the disabled community in South Africa.
Dunjwa said le Roux’s victory would encourage other young South Africans with disabilities to explore their own talents and ambitions without fear of discrimination.
The committee has also acknowledged the various challenges for contestants in the Miss SA 2024 competition, but says it appreciates that a deserving contestant emerged victorious and has become the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa.
“That was a historic and memorable development in South Africa,” Dunjwa said.
“The victory has become the victory of the entire community of persons with disabilities. As the committee we also declare our pride in Mia.’’
Le Roux, 28 who was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and uses a cochlear implant to help her perceive sound, now stands as a beacon of determination and possibility, Dunjwa said.
She is optimistic about the positive impact Le Roux will have during her reign, saying, “We look forward to your advocacy and the positive change you will inspire. Your journey encourages everyone to pursue their dreams confidently and foster a more inclusive world for all,” Dunjwa said.
On X, several political parties also congratulated Le Roux as the newly crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
The African National Congress(ANC) has praised Le Roux as the first deaf Miss South Africa, emphasising that her reign symbolises the power of inclusivity, diversity and innovative technology that empowers individuals to reach new heights.
The Democratic alliance (DA) has described Le Roux’s victory as a powerful symbol of resilience, noting that it demonstrates no barrier is to great to overcome. The party has said it hopes that she will inspire a generation to break barriers and pursue their dreams.
In addition, the leader of the Patriotic Alliance and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture has also congratulated Le Roux expressing confidence that she will represent the country admirably.
Both the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA have also extended their congratulated to Le Roux.
IOL