OUDTSHOORN NEWS - More than 160 learners living with disabilities have been placed in accredited learnerships across South Africa since the launch of the Mia le Roux Movement x B4i Academy campaign, and recently, the reigning Miss South Africa got to meet some of the beneficiaries.
Mia Le Roux, originally from Oudtshoorn and a former Oudtshoorn High School student, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024. She is the daughter of local residents Schalk and Liesel le Roux.
These learners, many of whom are hearing-impaired or face other forms of exclusion, are enrolled in fully accredited qualifications such as Business
Administration, End-User Computing and Wholesale and Retail. The campaign, which kicked-off in October last year, focuses on dignity, access and economic upliftment through skills development by empowering disabled communities through education.
The collaboration with the B4i Academy, an initiative of the B4i Project, forms part of Le Roux’s advocacy campaign, the Mia Le Roux Movement, a platform dedicated to advocating for the estimated four million deaf people in South Africa, while also raising awareness about all forms of exclusion.
During a recent visit to one of the learner centres in Pretoria, Le Roux spent time with some of the learners, encouraging them with a powerful message: “Inclusion is not charity - it is economic intelligence. Our purpose is to change lives, to offer pathways to dignity, independence and economic participation for those who often face barriers in accessing education and employment. Together we aim to break down these barriers, enabling individuals with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to society. I am so proud of what you have achieved so far.”
One beneficiary
One of the beneficiaries is 19-year-old Pfano Mnandi from Soshanguve said she was delighted to be selected for the programme: “I attended Hlomphanang Secondary School, where I completed my matric with subjects including Geography, Business Studies and Mathematical Literacy.
Through this wonderful opportunity, I’m gaining real knowledge and skills and I’m learning things I never thought I would. I believe Mia saw the passion in me, and that gave me this incredible chance. In five years, I see myself as a successful, independent woman running her own businesses.”
Second phase now open
The second phase of the learner application process is now open and will run until 8 July at 18.00. Applications can be made via the Miss South Africa website, the B4i Project’s website, the Miss South Africa App or through the links on Official Miss South Africa and Mia le Roux’s social media platforms where the application link can be found alongside guidelines for the applications.
All learners who complete the programme will receive a NQF 2-5 level accredited qualification at the end of their learnership and will be employable in several industries, from business administration to sales and more.
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