Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, is preparing to represent her country at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City, where she’s eager to immerse herself in the local culture and connect with the people of Mexico. In a recent interview with Sowetan Live, Le Roux shared her enthusiasm and the personal importance of her journey.
On Thursday, the Miss SA organisation held a heartwarming farewell event for Le Roux at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg. Only two months after her historic crowning, Le Roux, originally from Sasolburg in the Free State but raised in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, is heading abroad. As the first Miss SA with profound hearing loss, her victory is a significant milestone, one that she hopes will inspire others. “I’m very excited about my journey to Mexico although there’s still a whole lot of things I need to do and I’m left with just two days before I leave,” she shared. “I plan to take away a piece of every South African who has shown me kindness. I will take their love for me with me on stage.”
As the new Miss Universe will be crowned on November 16, where Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua will pass down her title, Le Roux has been busy with the demands of her new role. “Life has been busy since I was crowned,” she said. “I have interviews, photoshoots, planning my campaigns, makeup and hair classes, wardrobe fittings; there is a lot happening but I must admit, it does pay off.”
Her journey is about more than the crown, however; it’s about raising awareness for inclusivity. “I love the impact that I’ve made so far and the conversations that I’ve started in terms of inclusivity and how the marginalised can feel seen,” she said, emphasizing the significance of representation. “It brings me great joy when a differently able person tells me how empowered they are. Some even tell me they feel beautiful because they see me championing for them.”
Reflecting on her upcoming trip, Le Roux said, “I have Googled how Mexico looks like and all I see is buildings. I learnt from the previous mistake I made when I went to Seychelles. I researched so much about the place but ended seeing the complete opposite of what I expected. So, I just want to allow myself to experience my journey and the country I’ll be in with fresh pair of eyes.”
As she prepares to shine on the Miss Universe stage, Le Roux will be dressed in custom designs by Africa Fashion International (AFI) Atelier, founded by Precious Moloi-Motsepe. “Winning Miss Universe means my message will be told and known on a global scale,” she reflected. “It will be phenomenal if I get to spread my message internationally as I want to highlight the beautiful diversity of our country and show that it is our biggest strength.”
Dr. Moloi-Motsepe commented on AFI’s role in supporting Le Roux’s journey: “AFI Atelier’s wardrobe for Mia at Miss Universe showcases our core values of innovation, excellence and a passion for craftsmanship. Through this synergy we are reinforcing our dedication to empowering women, while shining a spotlight on Africa’s rising influence in global fashion, of which Miss Universe is a great platform for both.”
