Thousands of visitors are expected to take to the streets of Oudtshoorn this weekend when the town pulls out all the stops to welcome home Miss South Africa Mia le Roux.
The reigning queen – in her first visit to her hometown since being crowned Miss South Africa – will be honoured with a street parade by the people who have supported her throughout her incredible journey.
As well as two street parades, highlights include a special canape dinner at the world famous Cango Caves, a visit to an ostrich farm, afternoon tea with representatives from Oudtshoorn schools as well as those in rural areas and outlying towns such as De Rust, Dysselsdorp and Calitzdorp as well as photo opportunities.
Members of the public are encouraged to line the streets on the route and give Mia a rousing welcome.
Says Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality Executive Mayor Councillor Johan Allers: “The Oudtshoorn Municipality, as well as the residents of the Greater Oudtshoorn area, appreciate Miss South Africa visiting her hometown. Her presence will be a powerful testament to our community’s pride and a source of inspiration for our local youth. This visit will not only strengthen the bond between her and the town but also highlight our achievements on a broader stage.”
Le Roux says she is counting down the time until her homecoming: “I’m so excited to celebrate this incredible win with Oudtshoorn as this victory is just as much theirs as it is mine. I hope this will inspire my hometown to always continue in the spirit of giving and taking care of one another.”
Le Roux’s mother Liesel, who co-owned Die Hoorn and Postnet Oudtshoorn newspapers for more than 20 years along with her husband, is equally delighted.
“My husband Schalk and I – as well as our son Schalk who also lives in Oudtshoorn – are excited and grateful that we will be able to see Mia this weekend. We really miss her as Johannesburg is a long way away! I know the Oudtshoorniete (residents of Oudtshoorn) have been looking forward to Mia visiting the town since her coronation. We are grateful that the Miss South Africa Organisation is sending her back to her people and the beautiful Little Karoo for a weekend. There is great excitement!”
The homecoming itinerary is as follows:
Friday, September 20
Mia’s arrival in Oudtshoorn as well as a drive through town at around 11h00. The route follows Langenhoven Road, Voortrekker Road, Springbok Weg, Duiflaan, Zebra Weg, Arnold de Jager Drive, 14 de Laan, Dassieweg, Springbok Weg, Voortrekker Road and Baron van Reede with the Queen’s Hotel as the end destination.
At 14h00, she will be meeting high-school representatives from the area and its surrounds for an afternoon tea at the Queen’s Hotel, the oldest 4 star in South Africa and third oldest of all hotels in the country. This will be followed by a walk to the CP Nel Museum for a quick meet and greet.
There will be a special dinner that evening at the Cango Caves starting at 18h00. There will be a welcome by the mayor as well as performances from the Infantry School choir as well as by Mia’s alma mater, the Oudtshoorn High School’s Ad Astra choir Tickets cost R200 and are available from the Oudtshoorn Municipality. All proceeds go towards Mia’s foundation and advocacy during the time of her reign.
Saturday, September 21
On Saturday morning she will be meeting members from the Nomads Golf Institution at Eljada Nasorgsentrum who will be making a donation to her Miss South Africa advocacy campaign. From 09:00 until 11:00 she will be doing a second drive through town ending at the De Jager Sports Complex where there will be a photo opportunity until 13h00. The route incorporates Baron van Reede, Church Street, High Street and Voortrekker Road. She will then be visiting an ostrich farm.
Download the Miss South Africa app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. S3 is the official broadcast partner.