Who will be crowned Miss Deaf SA 2015?
JOHANNESBURG – Although it’s been 15 years since the first Miss Deaf South Africa was crowned, little is known about the Miss Deaf South Africa (MDSA) pageant.
However, this year’s event promises to be the biggest, best and most prestigious pageant yet.
Over the past 15 years, Miss Deaf South Africa’s winners and finalists have gone on to do amazing things for the deaf community and have made South Africa proud.
Candice Morgan, who won Miss Deaf World in 2004, is now an accomplished actress, producer, editor and presenter on DTV; while Mbali Nkosi, who was crowned in 2010, achieved the KZN Young Achievers Award from Umvoti Youth Development … and that’s to name only two.
The pageant was founded by hearing-impaired husband-and-wife duo Gert and Narda Els in the hope of giving inspiration and opportunities to young deaf women. The main aim of the pageant is to empower the deaf community, raise awareness and break down communication barriers between the deaf and hearing communities.
In November last year, Chris and Leviena Smit joined MDSA and are now the pageant’s directors. “Nothing gives me greater joy than working with the finalists during the time leading up to the crowning. To see the look of happiness, joy and fulfilment in their eyes makes me very happy,” said Leviena.
The Miss Deaf South Africa pageant this year will see 10 talented young women gather from across the country. The gala evening will include guest judges Tracy-Lee Minnie, who was Mrs Tshwane in 2012; and Eddy Rust, Bachelor of the Year 2013; the glamourous Amor Vittone will MC the evening; and hard-of-hearing dancer, Linda van Schalkwyk will entertain guests.
The winners and runners-up of the pageant are expected to become ambassadors for South Africa and the deaf community, and must strive to educate the hearing community and foster a culture of acceptance, acknowledgement and understanding. The pageant aims to deal with, and improve upon, issues of unemployment, human rights, better communication and creating and improving training institutions for the deaf.
The Miss Deaf South Africa pageant will be held on 2 October at the Pretoria Barnyard Theatre in Parkview. Tickets to the gala evening are limited, but some are still available.
Details: leviena@missdeafsa.co.za; www.facebook.com/missdeafsa
