'I'm here to ensure there's credibility': Miss SA Mia le Roux on her role in national dialogue
'I believe this national dialogue is important because, as someone who has always felt unheard, who never had a voice, this is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard,' Le Roux said at the group's inaugural meeting at the Union Building on Friday.
'And you really do have an opportunity to have your say, and I'm here to ensure that there is credibility to the process and that it is a success.'
Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and has been relying on a cochlear implant to aid her hearing. She's the first hearing-impaired individual to be crowned Miss South Africa. She uses her platform to advocate for inclusivity.
In June Ramaphosa announced an eminent persons group that will guide the national dialogue discussing challenges facing the country, such as poverty, unemployment, inequalities, crime, gender-based violence and corruption.
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'I'm here to ensure there's credibility': Miss SA Mia le Roux on her role in national dialogue
Miss South Africa Mia le Roux, who is a member of President Cyril Ramaphosa's national dialogue eminent persons group, says the dialogue is important to give a voice to the voiceless. 'I believe this national dialogue is important because, as someone who has always felt unheard, who never had a voice, this is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard,' Le Roux said at the group's inaugural meeting at the Union Building on Friday. 'And you really do have an opportunity to have your say, and I'm here to ensure that there is credibility to the process and that it is a success.' Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and has been relying on a cochlear implant to aid her hearing. She's the first hearing-impaired individual to be crowned Miss South Africa. She uses her platform to advocate for inclusivity. In June Ramaphosa announced an eminent persons group that will guide the national dialogue discussing challenges facing the country, such as poverty, unemployment, inequalities, crime, gender-based violence and corruption.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- IOL News
Miss SA 2024 Mia le Roux's role at the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group meeting fuels social media debate
Mia le Roux's attendance at the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group meeting at the Union Buildings ignited a heated online debate regarding her participation as a beauty queen. Image: Instagram An online debate on X was sparked after Miss SA 2024, Mia le Roux, was spotted engaging in a conversation with President Cyril Ramaphosa while attending the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group meeting. Le Roux attended the meeting, which took place on Friday, July 11, at the Union Building and was held by Ramaphosa as well as the Eminent Persons Group to address and find solutions to tackle issues that are happening in South Africa. The Eminent Persons Group is made up of leading figures in society with a proven commitment to advancing social cohesion and nation-building. The beauty queen was among prominent figures in SA, including legendary actor Dr John Kani, Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman, social activist Dr Brigalia Bam, among many others. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ After she was crowned Miss SA 2024, Le Roux shared with the nation that her advocacy was inclusivity and to create a sense of belonging for everyone, including those living with disabilities. During a brief interview shared on the Presidency's official X page, Le Roux explained her belief in the importance of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group Meeting for society. 'As someone who has often felt their voice went unheard, the National Dialogue provides that opportunity for my voice to be heard…' ~Mia le Roux Miss South Africa Member: Eminent Persons Group — The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 11, 2025 'I believe that this National Dialogue is important because, as someone who has always felt unheard, who never had a voice, this is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard. And you really do have an opportunity to have your say, and I'm here to ensure that there is credibility to the process,' she shared. Despite revealing the reason why she is a part of the dialogue, Le Roux faced criticism from some online users who claimed and questioned how she fits into the dialogue. X user @Jenna_original2 captioned her post: 'How does Mia le Roux fit into this dialogue? What does she know about the struggles of black South Africans?' How does Mia Le Roux fit into this dialogue. What does she know about the struggles of black South Africans? — 🍉 Jenna_🇿🇦 🇵🇸 🇷🇺 (@Jenna_original2) July 13, 2025 This post sparked a division among social media users as many advocated for her attendance and shared that she represents people living with disabilities. 'I think she's representing people with disabilities,' @Nelisiwe94 shared. I think she's representing people with disabilities. — Nelisiwe (@Nelisiwe94) July 13, 2025 While @Mantsi_ added: 'I guess she represents people living with disabilities, she is Miss South Africa and I guess the dialogue is about SOUTH AFRICANS.' I guess she represent people living with disabilities, she is MISS SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦 and I guess the dialogue is about SOUTH AFRICANS🇿🇦 🤔! — C.M Mathekga (@Mantsi_) July 14, 2025 Despite social media users questioning Le Roux's attendance, it is undeniable that the beauty queen has changed the stigma and the capabilities of people living with disabilities.
