By: Natasha Archary

Nandi Madida has applauded Miss South for allowing inclusivity to reign and sending a message to differently-abled young girls that it is possible.
This after Mia le Roux, was crowned on Saturday, 10 August and made history as the first hearing-impaired Miss SA.
Nandi and Zakes Bantwini’s daughter is on the autistic spectrum, and Nandi says Miss SA is changing the game by sending a positive message that inclusivity matters.
“As a mother to a beautiful girl who is on the autistic spectrum, getting to watch Mia who is deaf and has a cochlear implant win Miss South Africa with my daughter is a moment I will forever cherish.
Not only is it a game changer for the world, but one for the little kids out there who didn’t think it was possible. Inclusivity matters. Congrats Mia and to all the Miss South Africa contestants.”
Mia, a 28-year-old was born in Sasolburg, Free State and raised in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape and has redefined beauty standards by showcasing her many strengths throughout the 2024 Miss SA contest.
A model and part-time B Com Marketing student, le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one.
Mia le Roux says her community rallied behind her to give her the gift of hearing, with a cochlear implant and she now wants to break barriers and make a positive impact.
Following her win, Mia also shared what being crowned must mean for every girl who feels they’re different because they are not what society expects them to be.
“What an unbelievable feeling. I have so much gratitude in my heart for each one of you who has supported me and rallied behind me.
Last night we created a new generation of believers. Every little girl out there who has felt different because they are not what society expects them to be will realise they are so wildly capable, just like I am.”
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