What Mia le Roux wants you to know about her journey as a differently-abled Miss SA

Miss SA 2024 Mia le Roux candidly reflected on the highs and lows during her reign as the pageant’s titleholder and also being a differently-abled person.

In a lengthy caption, she acknowledged that while her journey to being Miss SA was empowering, it also came with its own challenges.

“Being differently-abled doesn’t mean less. But it also doesn’t mean I’m never sad. My journey to Miss South Africa was powerful. It was empowering. It was history in the making. But it was also heavy,” she wrote.

Le Roux captured the hearts of many when she made history as the first deaf woman to win the competition, and many rallied behind her as she prepared to represent the country at Miss Universe.

For the first time in the history of beauty pageants, she represented the community of people living with disabilities, and many expressed how they felt seen having someone like her reach greater heights.

Le Roux felt honoured to be named an amazing representative for SA and, more especially, for the differently-abled community.

However, this distinction also brought a great deal of pressure.

“Somewhere along the way, I felt the pressure to always be inspiring. Always smiling. Always strong. 

“As if being differently-abled meant I had to prove my worth by never breaking. As if empowerment cancelled out sadness,” she shared.

The beauty queen added that some days felt like she’s “on top of the world” but others, not so much.

Furthermore, on days when she felt unhappy, she felt like she was not allowed to express her feelings that way or let alone feel that way.

“I was afraid that if I showed my hard days, people would question my capability. That vulnerability would be mistaken for weakness. That honesty about struggle would somehow undo the progress and work on breaking the stigma surrounding persons with disabilities,” Le Roux said.

She admitted that she was being overly critical of herself and explained that her role as an inspiration to others does not mean she always has to embody that role.

“Being differently abled doesn’t mean I exist to be a constant source of inspiration. It just means I navigate the world differently. And I’m allowed to feel all of it,” she shared.

Le Roux’s last-minute withdrawal from the 73rd Miss Universe competition due to health concerns sparked an uproar on social media.

It wasn't until she detailed her decision to withdraw and said she suffered from vertigo, a condition where it feels like you are dizzy and there’s a sense of the world spinning around you.

Although mentally she was strong and ready to participate, her body was taking a strain.