There is a new queen in town and her name is Mia Le Roux. One of the most anticipated events of the year, the Miss SA finale has come and gone, and eventful is a mere understatement to describe the momentous occasion.
Every year, South African women are given an opportunity to present themselves in front of a panel of judges as well as the country and prove why they believe they are the best candidate to serve as the country’s ambassador, and as the years go by, the pageant keeps on breaking boundaries and shattering ceilings each year.
This year’s winner, Mia Le Roux is a 28-year-old marketing manager who has a story unlike any winner that came before her. Mia is hard of hearing and has a cochlear implant, which according to health publication NIH is “a small, electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.”
Taking to social media, the official Miss SA shared the news of Mia’s victory and crowning with the caption, “As she rises. Our new Miss South Africa 2024 @mialerouxx.”
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Internet users wasted no time taking to the comments to send congratulatory messages and well wishes to the new ambassador. Her achievement is not only for herself but for the many differently-abled individuals that look at her and feel represented.
I feel like Mia is representing a community that hadn’t been represented before in MissSA , let’s remember that representation matters, always! #MissSA2024
— Representation Matters❕❕ (@thabile_nomlala) August 10, 2024
Nandi Madiba expressed what the moment meant to her autistic daughter:
My daughter who is on the autistic spectrum just witnessed Mia winning, what a moment that she will never forget. Wow! ?????. These onions! Inclusivity is beautiful! Congrats to all the contestants ❤️? #MissSA2024
— Nandi Madida (@Nandi_Madida) August 10, 2024
Another user notes Mia’s powerful and convincing performance throughout the finale, despite her disability.
Never mind the marginalised community Mia is representing. That girl fought really hard for the crown.
Her answers were phenomenal, consistently. And she’s drop dead gorgeous. Congratulations and all the best Queen. #MissSA2024 pic.twitter.com/D4CIc5NvvC— Habibi (@Keagh_Bathong) August 10, 2024
Even those that initially supported other contestants gave Mia her flowers for holding her own, which attests to the level of competition this year.
I thought Nompumelelo would take it, but Mia, you have a beautiful story to tell, and that’s what really matters. The world needs to hear it.
Watch out Miss Universe, this one is one to watch!!!!!! #MissSA2024
— Lee-Roy Wright (@LeeRoyWright) August 10, 2024
Also see: Mia Le Roux crowned the new Miss SA 2024
