South African viewers are set to follow Mia le Roux’s journey as the first-ever deaf contestant at Miss Universe, with the finale airing live on S3 (DStv Channel 193) at 04:00 on Sunday, November 17, and a repeat at 20:00.
The 73rd Miss Universe pageant, hosted at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, will see Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua crown her successor.
Speaking from Mexico, Le Roux shared her excitement:
“It has been a jam-packed schedule but I have enjoyed seeing some of Mexico and how beautiful it is, experiencing some of its culture and meeting contestants from around the world. I am working hard but also taking the time to savour every moment and memory. I want to thank South Africans for their messages of support – it has meant the world to me and I will be carrying all of you with me when I walk on the Miss Universe stage.”
Miss South Africa Organisation CEO, Stephanie Weil, commented on Le Roux’s inspiring journey, saying,
“We are so proud of how well Mia is doing in Mexico. She has proudly taken her very special message of inclusivity to Miss Universe, one in which she has committed to represent every South African. She is an inspiration as she continues to represent every excluded individual with the goal to bring a future of hope and opportunity to them. We are rooting for her to take the crown.”
S3 Head of Channel, Sane Zondi, also shared his enthusiasm for Le Roux’s participation, noting,
“We are proud to broadcast Miss Universe 2024 to South Africans again this year, but even more honoured to champion our current Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux – 1.8 million viewers tuned in to watch her crowning on S3 in August. I know she will be flying our flag high in Mexico and give her all on that stage. We have very high hopes that she will make us proud and make the world once again take note of South Africa.”
The pageant, hosted by US TV personality Mario Lopez, with commentary by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, Carlos Adyan, and Julia Gama, will include contestants from 127 countries.
