Newly-crowned Miss South Africa Mia le Roux is set to receive a hero's welcome when she touches down in her hometown of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape this weekend.
The 28-year-old became the first hearing-impaired Miss SA during a glittering ceremony at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria last month.
This will be the reigning queen’s first trip back home since her win and she is set to be honoured with a street parade by the thousands of the town’s residents.
She will arrive in Oudtshoorn on Friday, September 20 where she will be hosted at a special dinner at the Cango Caves. The gathering will include a welcome by the mayor as well as performances from the Infantry School choir and le Roux’s alma mater, the Oudtshoorn High School’s Ad Astra choir.
All proceeds from the dinner will go towards le Roux’s foundation and advocacy during the time of her reign.
On Saturday, September 21, the beauty queen will meet members from the Nomads Golf Institution at Eljada Nasorgsentrum, who will be making a donation to her Miss South Africa advocacy campaign. She will then do a drive through the town for the street parade.
Members of the public are encouraged to line the streets on the route and give le Roux a rousing welcome.
Oudtshoorn Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Johan Allers said in a statement that the community is excited about her homecoming.
“Her presence will be a powerful testament to our community’s pride and a source of inspiration for our local youth.
“This visit will not only strengthen the bond between her and the town but also highlight our achievements on a broader stage.”
He added: “I am immensely proud of Mia’s achievement, she has truly empowered and inspired the differently-abled community all over the world. Her voice for inclusivity and challenging societal barriers is truly admirable.
“We support her in all her endeavours. We, the community of Oudtshoorn, salute you, Mia.”
Le Roux is also thrilled about visiting Oudtshoorn.
“I’m so excited to celebrate this incredible win with Oudtshoorn as this victory is just as much theirs as it is mine. I hope this will inspire my hometown to always continue in the spirit of giving and taking care of one another.”
Meanwhile, Le Roux’s mother Liesel is equally delighted about her daughter’s visit.
“My husband Schalk and I, as well as our son Schalk who also lives in Oudtshoorn, are excited and grateful that we will be able to see Mia this weekend,” she said.
“We really miss her as Johannesburg is such a long way away. I know the Oudtshoorniete (residents of Oudtshoorn) have been looking forward to Mia visiting the town since her coronation.”
“We are grateful that the Miss South Africa Organisation is sending her back to her people and the beautiful Little Karoo for a weekend. There is great excitement.”