Thousands of visitors are expected to take to the streets of Oudtshoorn this weekend when the town pulls out all the stops to welcome home Miss South Africa Mia le Roux.

The reigning queen – in her first visit to her hometown since being crowned Miss South Africa – will be honoured with a street parade by the people who have supported her throughout her incredible journey.

As well as two street parades, highlights will include a special canapé dinner at the world famous Cango Caves, a visit to an ostrich farm, afternoon tea with representatives from Oudtshoorn schools, and those in rural areas and outlying towns such as De Rust, Dysselsdorp and Calitzdorp, as well as photo opportunities.

Members of the public are encouraged to line the streets on the route and give Mia a rousing welcome.

Says Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Johan Allers:

“The Oudtshoorn Municipality and the residents of the Greater Oudtshoorn area appreciate Miss South Africa visiting her hometown. 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.

“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 says she is counting down the time until her homecoming:

“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.”

Le Roux’s mother Liesel who, along with her husband, co-owned Die Hoorn and Postnet Oudtshoorn newspapers for more than 20 years, is equally delighted.

“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. 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!”

The homecoming itinerary is as follows:

Friday, September 20

Mia’s arrival in Oudtshoorn as well as a drive through the town at around 11h00.

The route follows Langenhoven Road, Voortrekker Road, Springbok Weg, Duiflaan, Zebra Weg, Arnold de Jager Drive, 14 de Laan, Dassieweg, Springbok Weg, Voortrekker Road and Baron van Reede with the Queen’s Hotel as the end destination.

At 14h00, she will be meeting high-school representatives from the area and its surrounds for an afternoon tea at the Queen’s Hotel, the oldest 4-star in South Africa and third oldest of all hotels in the country.

This will be followed by a walk to the CP Nel Museum for a quick meet and greet.

There will be a special dinner that evening at the Cango Caves starting at 18h00, which will include a welcome by the mayor and performances from the Infantry School choir and le Roux’s alma mater, the Oudtshoorn High School’s Ad Astra choir.

Tickets cost R200 and are available from the Oudtshoorn Municipality. All proceeds go towards le Roux’s foundation and advocacy during the time of her reign.

Saturday, September 21

On Saturday morning she will meet members from the Nomads Golf Institution at Eljada Nasorgsentrum who will be making a donation to her Miss South Africa advocacy campaign.

From 09h00 to 11h00 she will be doing a second drive through town ending at the De Jager Sports Complex where there will be a photo opportunity until 13h00.

The route incorporates Baron van Reede, Church Street, High Street and Voortrekker Road. She will then be visiting an ostrich farm.

ALSO READ: Mia Le Roux makes history as first differently-abled Miss SA