Mia le Roux is not only the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa – she is also the first deaf woman to participate in the Miss Universe competition. If anyone embodies the saying “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” it’s Mia.

On 15 November, the eve of this year’s Miss Universe competition in Mexico City, Mia will be a guest on Waar daar ’n wil is, the kykNET talk show hosted by Lee-Ann van Rooi. Lee-Ann will ask her about her achievements, the challenges she’s faced, and the love and support she has received, especially from her parents.

Born deaf, Mia received a cochlear implant at the age of two, but her hearing impairment has never held her back from pursuing her dreams. When she entered the Miss South Africa pageant, her goal was to demonstrate that inclusivity – making space for those who are different – is essential in any society.

The Waar daar ’n wil is production team travelled to Oudtshoorn, where they interviewed Mia’s parents, Schalk and Liesel, and her brother, also named Schalk. They visited Oudtshoorn High School to speak with the principal and Mia’s art teacher, among others. Mia is the school’s second Miss South Africa – the first was Wilma van der Bijl, who won the title in 1987.

Mia shares how she met her boyfriend of three years, Luke Ten Oever, and what he means to her. She also describes how she communicates and talks about her long journey to learn how to speak. She and her mother have a heartfelt message for anyone facing challenges: never give up.

The interview with Mia on Waar daar ’n wil is airs on 15 November at 18:30 on kykNET (DStv channel 144). It will also be available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.