After her crowning moment as Miss South Africa on Saturday night, Mia Le Roux was celebrated by the nation and by her nearest and dearest, including her boyfriend of three years, Luke Tenoever.
The 28-year-old beauty queen made Miss SA history on Saturday evening as the first deaf South African woman to wear the diamond crown.
She will continue to make history in her expected participation in Miss Universe 2024, set to take place in Mexico. In her participation, Mia will become the first-ever deaf contestant in the global pageant.
These historical milestones align with Mia’s advocacy for inclusivity.
In her short time as Miss SA so far, Mia has already sparked conversations about her incredible victory in taking the crown and about her journey ahead, as a person with profound hearing loss.
In doing so, the beauty queen has encouraged open dialogue about how to create more inclusive experiences for those who suffer from hearing loss.
The beau behind the beauty queen
Mia has expressed gratitude towards those who have supported her in realising her dream of taking the Miss SA crown.
Her boyfriend of three years, Luke Tenoever, has backed his beauty queen along the way to greatness.
Shortly after his queen took the crown, Luke posted a heart-warming tribute for his girlfriend on Instagram:
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“My dearest Miatjie, words cannot express how incredibly proud I am of you. You are, without a doubt, the strongest person I have ever known,” wrote Luke. “Winning Miss South Africa is just the beginning, and I have no doubt that you will use this platform to achieve things that have never been done before,” he added.
“Your strength and determination inspire me every day, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish.”
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In conversation with IOL, Mia was asked to spill the beans about her beau. The beauty queen gushed over her partner, celebrating him for his differences.
“My boyfriend is a wonderful special person. He is dyslexic and has ADHD. He is an incredibly hard-working man with a strong work ethic. His neurodiversity makes him special and beautiful. He is extremely creative and patient and thinks outside of the box.”
Compiled by: Savanna Douglas
First published by Woman&home
Also see: Get to know your new Miss SA
