This year’s top 16 Miss South Africa 2024 contestants were revealed at the end of the first episode of the six-part reality TV show Crown Chaser’s.

Among the top 16, two contestants hail from Central South Africa, Mia le Roux (28) from Sasolburg in the Free State and Onalenna Constantin (26) from Potchefstroom in North West.

Le Roux was born in Sasolburg and raised in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. She is the first deaf Miss South Africa contestant.

A marketing manager, model, and part-time B.Com. Marketing student, Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one. She said her community rallied behind her, giving her the gift of hearing and inspiring her to make a positive impact and break barriers.

Mia Le Roux was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one. Photo: Instagram.

She described herself as resilient, dedicated, graceful, and kind. Le Roux, supported by many, was fortunate to receive a cochlear implant.

On Crown Chasers, she humorously mentioned that if there is any negativity around her, she simply “switches it off”.

In an Instagram post explaining why she entered Miss South Africa, Le Roux said: “I am here to change lives, including mine. I have lived through the challenges faced by the deaf.”

‘Everyone has a story. It is not our definition or label.’

She added: “We cannot always follow conversations; we tire out more easily and constantly feel the need to explain ourselves. We are not here to be ashamed; we are here to be amazing. But for that to happen, we have to be brave, step up, and educate our communities on how they can help us become equals.

“Transform your test into a testimony. Everyone has a story; ours is just more immediately apparent. It is not our definition or label. My definition is that I am intelligent, brave, kind, sensitive, and a game changer.”

Onalenna Constantin (26) from Potchefstroom possesses many talents. She is a model, law student, entrepreneur, and content creator.

Onalenna Constantin wears many caps, from model to law student. Photo: Instagram

She aims to inspire with a story that epitomises resilience and grace. Describing herself as an unwavering woman, she hopes to engage policymakers regarding the dire need for social workers in every school to ensure social justice for women and children.

The 2024 winner will be crowned at Sun International’s flagship venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria, on Saturday, 10 August. The event promises to be a spectacular and entertainment-packed show, fittingly taking place during Women’s Month.

OFM Nuus/Heidrè Malgas mvh