Crowned on the 10th of August 2024 Mia Lee Roux took the reins from Natasha Joubert in Pretoria this passed weekend -becoming the first deaf woman to take the Miss South Africa crown. Born and raised in Oudtshoorn Mia Lee Roux’s win has broken barriers and opened doors for the next generation of women living with disabilities. We get to know the reigning Miss SA in a Q&A interview.
Why did you decide to enter Miss South Africa 2024
I decided to enter Miss South Africa 2024 as I have noticed the title holders have made incredible progress in terms of inclusivity and redefining what beauty means. As a deaf woman with a cochlear implant, I represent a community that often goes unheard. I am here to prove that, despite being differently-abled, it has not affected me in terms of what I am capable of. My journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination we all possess.
What do you think is the most important part of Miss South Africa?
I believe that Miss South Africa provides an extraordinary platform for women to amplify their messages and advocacy. It is proof that women can inspire change in a beautiful dress just as powerfully as someone in a suit.
What qualities should a woman possess to make a notable difference in the world?
A woman should possess resilience, a gentle perseverance, courage and be unfailingly kind without ever forgetting her roots.
Tell us about your family?
I am very fortunate to have two loving parents who have been my saving grace. They have instilled within me a deep sense of “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” They have shown me that the best armour lies in knowing who you are and knowing your intent. This armour has helped me survive the often too-rough-corners of the world. I am proud to present my mother Liesel le Roux and my father Schalk le Roux.
They have co-owned a newspaper: Die Hoorn and Postnet Oudtshoorn for over 20 years.They are semi-retired but they still own and run Postnet in Oudtshoorn. I have an older brother named Schalk le Roux.
How are you playing your part in your community and in South Africa?
I have made it my mission to spread awareness and educate wherever I am able about the challenges faced by the deaf. We are not in need of sympathy; being deaf does not affect our intelligence and capability. We just need a little bit of help in terms of accessibility and inclusivity such as subtitles on TV shows, advertisements and sign interpreters at live shows. I aspire to eventually help provide cochlear implants to those who cannot afford it and give them the same gift my community has given me.
What do you love about South Africa?
My absolute favourite part about South Africa is the spirit of ubuntu that resides within so many of us. It is a warm spirit that unites our rich heritage and diverse cultures. l have experienced the power of it personally when my community has helped raised funds for my cochlear implant when I was only two years old. And I am experiencing it again in the support for my journey with Miss South Africa 2024.
How do you define success?
Success is not about titles or accolades; it lies in the ability to inspire change that will endure long after you are gone.
Tell us five short facts about yourself
• I have the softest heart for animals. They love you based on how you treat them, not based on what you look like or have accomplished.
• I am a big foodie!
• I love doing scientific experiments to create organic and highly bioavailable foods products such as food or cosmetics.
• I often received awards for being a bookworm during my school years
• I attended the Carel du Toit centre from the age of one up until I was five years old. Carel du Toit is where the deaf learn to speak.
What has been your biggest disappointment and how did you bounce back from it?
My biggest disappointment has been that I could notice during job interviews and with some people I have encountered that they were confused and questioned my ability to do a job because I am hard of hearing. It has ignited a fire within me to work harder and educate others that we are intelligent and capable, not just for myself but for others like me as well.
What do you like most about yourself?
My kindness. It might seem like a simple quality, but I seeing people smile when they feel seen makes me feel empowered.
If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
The realisation that you cannot always make everyone happy.
Who are your local and international female role models and why?
My local female role models are Shudufhadzo Musida and Zozibini Tunzi because they dared to be different and they did it with such grace! My international female role model is Bethany Hamilton. She has broken barriers in surfing after losing her arm during a shark attack.
What do you think is the biggest problem facing young people today?
Mental health issues. They experience nameless cyberbullying and pressure to always be 50 contradicting things at once while portraying a certain ideal life on social media.
If you could have lunch with anyone famous - dead or alive - who would it be and why?
Nelson Mandela, he embodies freedom, breaking barriers and peace. I would love to experience him personally and to be inspired by him.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love to do either Pilates, be in nature or to read a good book. I try to invest in things that help to heal my soul.
What is your message to young girls and young women in South Africa?
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.
Quick fire Questions:
What are you reading right now?
How Not To Die by Dr Greger
What music are you listening to?
I am not able to enjoy music to the same degree as hearing people but I do enjoy music such as Love Gets Old by Wouter Kellerman.
What are your favourite TV shows/bingeing pleasure on Netflix?
Bridgerton and All The Light We Cannot See
Are you a good cook and what is your favourite dish to prepare?
Yes, I adore cooking. It is a difficult question to answer as I love preparing so many different meals. But either a Thai chicken curry made from scratch or a steak with rosemary butter, truffle flavoured mushrooms, roasted butternut, baby spinach and rice.
Sour jelly tots. I do not indulge often, but when I do, it is so good!
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having a beautiful family with healthy dynamics, some dogs and knowing that I had inspired change that will outlast me when I am gone.
What is your greatest fear?
Someone that I love dying.
What is your greatest extravagance?
This might be an unorthodox answer, but dogs! They need healthy, tasty home-cooked meals.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Kom ons doen dit” or “It is what it is”.
When and where were you happiest?
My happiest time was as a toddler during December in Witsand. My parents always told us magical stories about Witsand. I felt like I was in a fairytale!
Which talent would you most like to have?
Unrealistically, to sing. Realistically, to dance beautifully.
What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possessions are my dogs.
What do you value most in your friends?
I value grace, showing one another grace and understanding that grace comes in many colours.
What is the principle you live by?
In life it is not important to necessarily be strong but to feel strong.
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