After walking on an international stage and representing South Africa with pride in Tanzania, Megan Holmes has returned as Ms Deaf International 2022.
The now 35-year-old Ms Deaf International 2022 title holder promises to carry out her responsibility to perfection for the country and over the world.
Megan is adamant to continue creating deaf awareness and also bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities.
She said this is one of the most remarkable achievements that she has made so far.
“Not only am I proud of myself, but I also made my country, called a rainbow nation, proud. They were behind me and I couldn’t have pulled this off without my fellow South Africans. My mom and daughter are my biggest supporters and keep me going.
Looking back over the recent few years, Megan said all her hard work has paid off. It began with believing, visualizing and putting in the work.
“I was from being a mother of one, focusing on a 08:00 to 17:00 job, taking care of my daughter and spending my free time on cycling training to the pageant.”
Being Ms Deaf International 2022 winner was beyond her wildest dream. She told the Alberton Record the international pageant gets her out of her comfort zone on another level and to grow into a better version of herself and improve her perspective in life.
It also enables her to be a better role model and to empower all aspirants and those around her.
Delightful experience
During her pageant week in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, she had an opportunity to meet many other confident ‘deaf beauties’ from over the world.
“It was a beautiful and interesting experience for me. I can understand the deaf culture and their perspectives better. The majority of them are signers or deaf signers, they’re only communicating conversationally with people who are deaf or hard of hearing,” she said.
Tanzania is East Africa’s visual masterpiece and home of safari. Her favourite part of Tanzania was Zanzibar Island.
“I won another notch on my belt – for best cultural attire. This was my proudest moment because I left foreigners in awe who admired my cultural outfit, designed by Francisco Costa Ayres Barreto, a deaf designer from Johannesburg. He has owned Barreto Bridalwear Designer since 2006,” explained Megan.
The dress he designed was called Queen of Africa Warrior Past of South Africa and he is said to have won the Bridal Africa Award 2006.
“It was such a privilege to wear his dress and walk on an international stage. He also achieved the top designer award in Gauteng in 2010 and Best Deaf Own Business in South Africa award in 2021. He’s the most creative and talented designer I have ever met,” she said.
So far, Megan said her journey taught her that the beautiful sparkly crown represents so much more. She said it represents perseverance, versatility and loyalty, as well as the real unique essence of being a deaf woman.
