Although the crowning of a new Miss SA is always an impactful moment, this year’s crowning had more significance than ever before as South Africa continues to be a country that leads with action when it comes to inclusivity as Mia Le Roux was the first contestant with a disability to win a such a prestigious event.
During her campaign to become Miss SA, Mia often highlighted the importance of inclusion, which was a major point in her mission statement. True to her word, she has begun using the Miss SA platform to bridge the gap between the world of the included and the excluded.
In light of the Sign Language and Music Enhancement Mini Festival which will be taking place, an event organised by the Department of Education as well as the Department of Sports, Art and Culture, Mia took the opportunity to visit the Transoranje School for deaf learners in Pretoria.
HAPPENING NOW | Transoranje School for the Deaf learners welcome @Official_MissSA, Mia le Roux to the South African Sign Language Festival hosted by @EducationGP1. #SASL #SASLFestival #DeafAwarenessMonth pic.twitter.com/0B9i5CnCdd
— Pan South African Language Board (@PanSALB) September 10, 2024
The event was part of a series of mini-festivals organised by the two departments mentioned above, with the main aim being to showcase the wide range of certified skills that the learners can acquire through the Multi-Certification Skills Programme. Furthermore, the festival highlighted the introduction of basic South African Sign Language to hearing learners from grade five.
The day was filled with many activities which highlighted the importance of inclusivity and diversity, being that they are some of the pillars that keep South Africa the great nation that it is.
We are grateful to have had the honour of hosting Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux, at the South African Sign Language School Festival!
Thank you for supporting the incredible deaf and hearing learners who led today’s event. #DeafAwarenessMonth #SASLFestival #SASL ? pic.twitter.com/fehEvxYdJu
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) September 10, 2024
Also see: Mia Le Roux crowned the new Miss SA 2024
