It’s been a week since Cape Town beauty Mia le Roux made history as the first hearing-impaired woman to be crowned Miss South Africa.

Le Roux (28), who has broken barriers and the stigma around differently-abled persons, entered the competition because she wanted to create an inclusive space for the excluded and teach the included how to be inclusive.

“As I said in my acceptance speech, I want to be a voice for those who, like me, have experienced the challenges of being different and feeling excluded.

“I want to champion the causes that matter to South Africans and to create a space where everyone can shine in their unique, beautiful way,” she said.

“There is a pressing need for those who are inherently included to consciously create inclusive environments for those who are excluded in society, whether it be financial exclusion or exclusions that are created by being differently-abled.

“Thanks to me wearing the Miss South Africa crown, I have a foot in the world of the included, and I want to build a bridge between the two worlds.”

While her team and her are currently working on her itinerary, Le Roux has already started making plans on how to use her influence for social change.

Mia Le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024. Picture: Supplied.

“I am going to be a voice for the differently-abled and the disenfranchised. I am going to reach out and collaborate with the government, corporate South Africa and anyone who is able and willing to play their part.

“I have already had people reaching out. Together, I think we will be able to achieve great things,” explained the beauty queen.

The whole of South Africa saw her dazzle on the Miss SA stage, leading her to win the crown. However, her journey to becoming Miss SA was not easy. At some point, she felt a bit lost but had to remind herself of her purpose and stick to the end goal.

One of the greatest challenges she faced during the competition was when they had to dance on the first episode of “Crown Chasers”.

“I don’t understand music the same way that someone else would, and for me, it was a challenge and very tricky because I listened to music and I did not understand it and it was very tough.

“A bit of an overwhelming moment for me because everyone around me was getting excited, screaming, dancing and ready to pull out all the moves and there I was, confused and didn’t understand it and I had to dance within an hour.

“I felt a bit inadequate but with time I just said to myself ‘you know what, just enjoy it and if you make a mistake, make it cute and bring in your energy and your smile’,” she said in a recent Metro FM interview.

There were also some great moments on "Crown Chasers", which helped her forge meaningful friendships with some of the ladies who were also part of the competition.

Miss South Africa 2024 Mia Le Roux. Picture: Supplied.

“Filming the reality show ‘Crown Chasers’ pushed all contestants to their limits but it also demonstrated just what we are capable of and what wearing the crown entails.

2It was an incredible journey but the highlight has to have been the beautiful sisterhood and experiencing the phenomenal contestants that I was blessed to meet on my journey,” said the model.

“They were so protective and supportive, they helped me get down the stairs on stage with a helping hand whenever I was feeling a bit out of balance as my balance is challenged due to my hearing loss. They are all truly wonderful women who taught me so much.”

It’s not every day where someone makes history like Le Roux did. Her story proves that anything is possible and your uniqueness doesn’t mean incapable.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity wearing the crown affords me. I was determined to win this pageant as I was fighting for a space for the excluded, including myself.

“I know how challenging it is when you are capable and intelligent and you are not given a chance because of the stigma. And knowing that so many others experience what I have experienced I decided it was time to be brave and to fight for us,” she added.

And to anyone who looks up to her, Le Roux wants them to know that their circumstances don’t determine their future.

“No matter the circumstances you were born into, you should always be unapologetic, have courage and be kind. We should uplift one another. Helping to light someone else’s candle does not diminish your own. It only makes the world so much brighter.”

Le Roux will represent South Africa at the 73rd Miss Universe taking place in Mexico later year. She will also be the first hearing-impaired woman participating in the grand global pageant.

#mia-le-roux

Mixed reaction to Miss SA’s step back from Miss Universe

Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux vows to champion inclusivity during her reign

How to make Miss SA Mia le Roux’s favourite food

5 interesting facts about Mzansi’s first hearing-impaired Miss SA, Mia le Roux