Mr Le Roux supported the event as guest of honour and praised the learners for their excellent efforts.
Reigning Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux took part in a sign language and music enrichment mini-festival at the TransOranje School for the Deaf in Pretoria alongside Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Matome Chiloane.
What's happening | Welcoming students from TransOrange School for the Deaf Miss SAMia Le Roux attended the South African Sign Language Festival. Education GP1. #SASL #SASLFestival #DeafAwarenessMonth pic.twitter.com/0B9i5CnCdd
— Pan South African Language Board (@PanSALB) September 10, 2024
“The festival exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity, breaking down barriers and building a society where no learner is left behind. Through South African Sign Language (SASL), we foster empathy and understanding between hearing and deaf learners and provide them with the opportunity to become advocates for the deaf community,” said MEC Chiloane.
The event was part of a series of mini-festivals organised by the Gauteng Department of Education to showcase the diverse recognised skills learners will acquire through the Multi-Certified Skills Programme.
Mr Le Roux supported the event as guest of honour and recognised the incredible efforts of both deaf and hearing learners.
Learners demonstrated their newly acquired skills in SASL and music, emphasizing the importance of communication and inclusion of all individuals regardless of ability.
The festival also featured a music enhancement segment that incorporated innovative technology that allowed hearing-impaired attendees to experience music through vibrations.
Happening Now | How beautiful is the South African national anthem rendition in sign language by the TransOranje School for the Deaf? #DeafAwarenessMonth #SASLFestival #SASL pic.twitter.com/gfsRtBEsCh
— Pan South African Language Board (@PanSALB) September 10, 2024
This initiative brings the power and joy of music to all and deepens connections between learners through the universal language of rhythm and sound.
Related article: Mia Le Roux crowned Miss South Africa 2024
Calling for change
After being crowned Miss SA in August, Le Roux told IOL she plans to use her platform to continue to inspire others and advocate for change and inclusivity.
Free State Le Roux was born in Sasolburg, grew up in Oudtshoorn and now lives and works in Cape Town as a marketing manager, model and part-time Bachelor of Commerce Marketing student.
She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and said the community that supported her and gave her the gift of hearing has inspired her desire to make a positive impact and break down barriers.
In her acceptance speech, she opened up about the challenges of living with her condition: “When I was just two years old, I was given a cochlear implant as a gift from my community.
“Family, friends and strangers came together to raise funds for this operation. It was a life-changing opportunity that gave me the ability to hear.”
“It was also the beginning of a long journey to learn to hear and connect with the world through words. And it was a journey that taught me to never give up.”
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