Miss SA, Mia Le Roux Movement Gifts The Miracle Of Hearing

Dis-Chem Foundation and the Mia le Roux Movement gift the miracle of hearing to three young children

In a heartwarming collaboration, timed to coincide with World Hearing Day on Monday (March 3), the Dis-Chem Foundation and the Mia le Roux Movement are set to transform the lives of three young children by providing them with cochlear implants.

Two toddlers and an infant, carefully selected by a team of medical experts, will be the first beneficiaries of this inspiring partnership, marking the beginning of a journey towards the gift of hearing. The cochlear implants will be done over a period of three months with the first one taking place in March.

The initiative, which aims to offer life-changing hearing solutions to children from underprivileged backgrounds, is spearheaded by reigning Miss South Africa Mia le Roux who herself was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one. Le Roux received her first cochlear implant as a toddler and has since become a passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility.

“I am deeply honoured to be part of this partnership and to be able to witness the first three children receive their cochlear implants,” said Le Roux. “Having experienced the transformative power of hearing technology myself, I am committed to raising awareness and offering hope to others. This initiative is just the beginning of creating meaningful change for those with hearing impairments.”

The cochlear implant process is an ongoing and involved journey. After the surgery, recipients require years of support to adapt to their new hearing abilities as their brains gradually learn to process sound.

To ensure the children thrive, Dr. Helena Basson, a specialist from Operation Healing Hands, will work alongside audiologists and speech therapists to provide comprehensive medical and therapeutic care.

Jacqueline Kahlberg, spokesperson for the Dis-Chem Foundation, said:

“This partnership is about more than just restoring hearing – it’s about fostering inclusion and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be left behind. Our goal is to make a lasting impact, ensuring that individuals with hearing loss who are unable to afford treatment receive the care and support they deserve.”

Beyond cochlear implants, the campaign will also extend its reach to individuals in need of hearing aids and sign language training, underscoring the partnership’s commitment to sustainable, long-term solutions for hearing loss.

The collaboration between the Dis-Chem Foundation and the Mia le Roux Movement represents a beacon of hope for families affected by hearing impairments. By combining resources, expertise and a shared vision for inclusivity, the partnership is set to change lives, one sound at a time.

“During this month commemorating World Hearing Day, the gift of hearing is not just a dream but a reality for three young children – and the start of a brighter, more inclusive future for many more,” Kahlberg concludes.

Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. SABC3 is the official broadcast partner.

More about the Dis-Chem Foundation
Underpinned by a philosophy of care and giving back to those who need it most, the Dis-Chem Foundation was founded in 2006 based on concern around the growing levels of poverty in South Africa. Many organisations rely on the Foundation in order to keep their doors open and have peace of mind knowing that the Foundation continues to support them.

More about Operation Healing Hands
Operation Healing Hands is a charity initiative organised by a group of doctors and other medical professionals in the private sector who, for Mandela Day, wished to give back to the community. Established in 2016, the aim of Operation Healing Hands is to provide life-changing surgeries to patients in need while fulfilling the ethical responsibility of the private healthcare sector in closing the socioeconomic gap of patients in need of surgery. Together with many wonderful sponsors and service providers, the Operation Healing Hands team is responsible for changing the lives of many patients who would never have been able to afford the medical care they required.

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