Mia le Roux, the newly crowned Miss South Africa 2024, has joined forces with the Miss SA organisation and the B4i Academy to offer individuals living with disabilities an invaluable educational opportunity through a series of learnership programmes. These programmes are designed to foster skill development, focusing on both quality and accessibility to ensure that people with disabilities can acquire competencies that will enable them to succeed in today’s economy.
Le Roux expressed her pride in partnering with the B4i Academy, emphasizing the significance of the initiative in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. “I am honoured to partner with the B4i Academy to make a difference in the lives of those who often face significant barriers. This initiative is a step towards a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has access to opportunities that allow them to succeed,” Le Roux stated. Through this collaboration, her advocacy campaign, the Mia Le Roux Movement, strives to create a platform dedicated to advocating for the estimated four million deaf people in South Africa, alongside raising awareness about all forms of exclusion.
The partnership has already begun making an impact, with the pilot programme, launched in October, offering 120 learnerships thanks to a generous investment from Group Elephant. The programme aims to create pathways to dignity, independence, and economic participation for those who often face barriers in accessing education and employment. Group Elephant, a company with a strong commitment to the upliftment of people in South Africa, has played a vital role in supporting this initiative, marking the beginning of a powerful collaboration. Yolandi Venter, CEO of the B4i Academy, highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting, “At the B4i Academy, we believe in the transformative power of education to unlock potential and create opportunities for all. Our collaboration with Le Roux signifies our steadfast commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.”
As part of the next phase of this collaborative effort, the first public learnership campaign has officially launched. Applications for the learnerships opened on February 1 and will remain open until February 28, 2025, at 6 pm. Interested individuals can apply through the Miss South Africa website, the B4i Project’s website, or the Miss South Africa App. This marks an exciting step toward inclusivity, providing individuals with disabilities the skills and training needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving job market.
This initiative is a beacon of hope for a more inclusive society where opportunities for growth are not limited by physical challenges but enhanced through access to education and skills development. With strong leadership from Le Roux and the B4i Academy, this programme is set to break down barriers and empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to society.
