Miss SA Mia Le Roux Inspires at South African Sign Language Festival, Championing Inclusivity and Self-Belief

As September marks the International Month for Deaf People, Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux, delivered a powerful message of empowerment and inclusivity at the South African Sign Language School Festival, held at Transoranje School for the Deaf. Le Roux, the nation’s first hearing-impaired Miss SA, stood as a beacon of hope for deaf learners, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and reject societal expectations.

Supported by the Gauteng Department of Education, the festival celebrated unity, aiming to bridge the gap between deaf and hearing learners and promoting sign language as a vital tool for a more inclusive and connected society.

Le Roux’s speech struck a deeply personal chord, as she urged young learners with hearing impairments to stop apologizing for being different.

“Stop apologizing for not being what society expects of you,” she told the audience. “Earn your place, trust yourself, and believe in your capabilities because you are capable of so much.”

In addition to self-belief, Le Roux emphasized the importance of diversity and education, stating that diversity is something to be celebrated and that young people must empower themselves to shape their futures. She highlighted the ongoing journey toward true inclusivity in South Africa, noting that a little compassion and accessible information can make a difference.

“There’s so much we can do,” she said. “It starts with seeking out the available information. The internet offers countless resources on how to foster inclusivity. Taking the initiative to educate yourself is the first step. At the end of the day, we all need compassion, kindness, and empathy.”
Le Roux’s message resonated deeply with the festival attendees, leaving a lasting impression on both deaf and hearing learners as they continue their journey toward a more inclusive future.

TransOranje School for the Deaf

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