Mia le Roux, the reigning Miss South Africa 2024, has opened up to her fans about her journey, her proudest moments, and her hopes for the future. The beauty queen, who has used her platform to advocate for empowerment and inclusion, recently hosted a Q&A session on Instagram, where she answered heartfelt questions from her supporters.
One fan asked Mia what advice she would give to a young girl who dreams of becoming a model but feels scared. Mia’s answer was both powerful and encouraging. She said:
“If it scares you, it’s probably worth chasing. Big dreams often come with big fears – but that’s what makes them meaningful. The people who’ve made it ‘big’ didn’t live without fear – they felt it and kept going anyway. They pushed through the doubt, rose after every setback, and kept showing up. That’s what makes the difference. Keep going.”
When asked about her proudest moment as Miss South Africa, Mia reflected on the initiatives closest to her heart. She said:
“The highlight of my reign was what matters most to me, making a lasting impact that will continue long after my reign. I helped in creating awareness for persons with disabilities, providing the gift of hearing (with the Dischem Foundation) to those who cannot afford it, and opening doors through learnership opportunities with the B4i Academy for individuals with disabilities. Empowerment, inclusion, and sustainability are at the heart of it all.”
Another fan wanted to know if Mia would consider competing in other pageants internationally. Mia responded with honesty:
“I’m sharing my heart here, in all honesty. After the disappointment of Miss Universe, I had hoped for another opportunity to show that someone like me can represent with dignity on the international stage – not just for myself, but for everyone who has ever faced exclusion or stigma. Still, what’s done is done, and I hold my head high. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved with the tools and opportunities I had. I’ve come to realise that my worth is not defined by an international title. My value lies in the impact I make, the lives I touch, and the authenticity I carry forward. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.”
With just 22 days left in her reign, Mia reflected on how she feels about handing over her crown. She shared:
“I’m approaching this next chapter with the mindset that handing over my crown doesn’t suddenly make me any less. In fact, it’s an opportunity to become even more. To build on everything I’ve already created and step confidently into what’s next. Every season shapes a new part of who we are, and this is simply a transition into a new and beautiful season of my life. And on the days when I feel a little bit sad, I’ll gently remind myself of this truth.”
Finally, Mia gave advice to teenage girls aspiring to one day wear the Miss South Africa crown. She stressed the importance of authenticity and purpose:
“Miss SA isn’t about fitting a mold – it’s about standing out by being authentically you. Embrace your roots, culture, language, and story. Know your why. Ask yourself: Why do I want to become Miss South Africa? The crown is a platform for change – whether you’re passionate about education, gender equality, mental health, or poverty alleviation. Knowing your ‘why’ will guide everything else you do. Miss SA is often an educated and articulate woman. Prioritize school, read widely, and become informed about issues in South Africa and globally. Be someone who can hold meaningful conversations – on stage and in interviews. And lastly, be completely at peace with who you are.”
