Miss South Africa Mia le Roux leaves for Mexico

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Miss South Africa Mia le Roux left South Africa yesterday from OR Tambo International Airport to compete in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant to be held in Mexico City, Mexico, on Saturday, 16 November.

Her farewell outfit was designed by Juan Aria William. Le Roux says she was looking forward to representing South Africa at Miss Universe: “I cannot wait to highlight the beautiful diversity of our country and show that it is our biggest strength.”

She says she is trying not to feel too much pressure as she walks in the footsteps of previous Miss South Africa title holders on the Miss Universe stage and as the first-ever deaf contestant to compete.

“I try to view this as the opportunity and experience of a lifetime where my voice can be heard and I can hopefully help to shine a light upon the blind spots of our world while carrying my beautiful country within my heart. I believe my advantage is that I have a powerful story that needs to be heard. Someone once said that I did well with Miss South Africa because of the struggle I represent. But I say I did well because of the victory I represent and I believe that is my advantage. My parents were unsure if I would ever speak and now I am using the very same voice to be heard like I have never been heard before. I am speaking for every excluded individual out there with the goal to bring a future of hope and opportunity to them. I am going to do my best to make them, and all South Africans, proud.”

Mia le Roux and her boyfriend Luk Ten Oever and parents Liesel and Schalk.
Photo: Yolanda van der Stoep