After an inspiring journey, Mia le Roux has made history as the first deaf woman crowned Miss South Africa, set to compete in Miss Universe 2024. To many championing accessibility and inclusivity, Mia’s win is more than a title—it’s a symbol of breaking barriers for women with disabilities. Ahead, get to know the trailblazing beauty queen with these 10 facts.
Who Is Mia le Roux? 10 Facts About South Africa's First Deaf Miss Universe Contestant
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Mia was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at age one.
Mia’s journey has been shaped by her early diagnosis of profound hearing loss. Her cochlear implant has allowed her to communicate in new ways, yet she continues to advocate for accessibility for the deaf community, sharing her experiences openly. In an interview with Glamour South Africa, she explained how her deafness doesn’t hinder her capabilities: “Despite being differently-abled, it has not affected what I am capable of.”
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She’s a working student.
In her earlier years, the beauty queen studied at the Oudtshoorn Junior Primary School and Oudtshoorn High School. According to the Miss South Africa website, Mia received a nutrition certificate from the Sports Science Institute of South Africa and an exercise specialist diploma from eta College. Now, she’s currently on her way to a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing at the University of South Africa, all while working as a start-up company’s marketing manager.
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She has won several beauty pageants.
Aside from Miss South Africa, Mia has already garnered accolades in the pageant world, including Miss Struisie, Miss Garden Route, and a top-five position at Miss Deaf South Africa.
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Her mission is to spread awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf.
Mia wants people to understand that deafness does not equate to a lack of capability. “Being deaf does not affect our intelligence,” she stated to Glamour. “We just need help with accessibility and inclusivity.” She aims to advocate for improvements, such as sign language interpreters at events and subtitles on television.
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She attended a special school for the deaf at a young age.
At one to five years old, Mia attended the Carel du Toit Centre, a specialized school where deaf children learn to speak. This early education set the foundation for her journey as a passionate spokesperson for her community.
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She’s an animal lover.
Mia has a special place in her heart for animals. “They love you based on how you treat them, not based on what you look like,” she shared with Glamour, where she also states that dogs are her greatest extravagance.
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She says that the biggest problem of the youth today is mental health issues.
In the same interview, Mia noted mental health as the biggest challenge facing today’s youth. She recognizes the pressures of modern life, especially with social media, and believes in the importance of mental health advocacy.
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She’s a big reader.
Known as a bookworm, Mia’s love for reading started in school, where she often received awards for her literary interests. In her spare time, she immerses herself in books, using them as a way to relax and learn.
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She’s close to her family.
Mia is the youngest of two children and is deeply close to her family, particularly her parents, Liesel and Schalk le Roux. She credits them with instilling in her the values that she carries with her today. “My parents are my saving grace,” she said to Glamour, adding that their strength and encouragement have been her armor in life.
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You can follow her on Instagram.
For an inside look at Mia’s life, advocacy work, and her journey to Miss Universe, you can follow her on Instagram at @mialerouxx.
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