In a country where barriers often obstruct the path to opportunity for people living with disabilities, the new Miss South Africa Mia le Roux’s trailblazing journey is an inspiration and a catalyst for change. By stepping into the spotlight, she is showing the country and the world that disability is not a limitation, but an invitation to embrace diverse perspectives and experiences.
Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and, as a result, was fitted with a cochlear implant to aid her hearing. On Saturday, 10 August, she made all Mzansi proud, especially the disability community, by demonstrating that there are no limitations in life.
Her story is not just a beacon of hope but a call to action for a more inclusive and supportive society.
While some people on social media have questioned her speech challenges and accent, Le Roux is shining through it all.
In one of her speeches, she said: “No matter who you are, I know sometimes you have felt different, sometimes you have felt like you don’t belong. Do not give up on yourself. If there is a glimmer of hope, hold onto that.”
Against all odds
Meanwhile, the disabled community has applauded Le Roux’s accomplishment and hopes it will shine a light on challenges and create opportunities for them.
Nobathembu Peter, a disability ambassador and social activist from Table View, Cape Town, emphasises that people living with disabilities want to be seen and heard. She notes that opportunities are often limited, and the disability community is frequently excluded.
“Give us a voice and a platform. Allow us to be active members of society, not just participants in the economy, but truly empowered.”
Nobathembu Peter
She believes that ensuring equal access for people with disabilities is a matter of justice and would help remove many limitations.
“There are many opportunities available to non-disabled people in Mzansi, but when it comes to offering the same opportunities to those with disabilities, the same level of effort is not applied.”
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Challenging barriers
According to Notukela Makohliso, the founder and director of the Notukela Foundation Institute (NFI), an NPO based in Cape Town, policies and laws play a significant role in keeping persons with disabilities poor and excluded.
She highlights that aside from the disability grant of R2 180, there is no other public support available for people living with disabilities.
“There is a plethora of short-term learnerships reserved for persons with disabilities, which pay a stipend equal to or only slightly higher than the minimum wage of R27.58 per hour in South Africa,” Makohliso says.
She further notes that many barriers affect people with disabilities, including access to transport and buildings, as well as attitudinal barriers and ableism in the workplace and society.
“We also need legislative reform aimed at disability inclusion and representation in both the public and private sectors.”
She adds, “Our policies and laws play a huge role in keeping persons with disabilities poor and excluded.”
Showcasing talents
Nontuthuzelo Chabeni from Graceland in Cape Town, a beneficiary of the Notukela Foundation Institute (NFI), explains that the NFI recognises the need to create platforms to empower people living with disabilities. She highlights an upcoming event organised by the NFI.
“We call it Disability Pride Month, where we celebrate talent without judgment, regardless of how someone looks.”
This event is designed for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents, but it is open to everyone. Chabeni emphasises that it provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to display their skills in poetry, music, drama, and stage plays.
“This talent show is just one of the many initiatives we’re pursuing to offer hope and opportunities for people living with disabilities,” she adds.
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