Newly crowned Miss Deaf Universe, Lisa Msiza, celebrates her victory on stage as the audience erupts in applause. Picture supplied.
Soweto-born Deaf model Lisa Msiza has made history as the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Deaf Universe, taking the title in Italy last night.
For her, the competition has always been bigger than the crown. She has often said it is a platform for representation, inclusion and advocacy, giving Deaf people across the world a voice and visibility.
Before jetting off to Italy, last week, Lisa who was crowned Miss Deaf South Africa 2024 said:
She thanked her family for their unwavering support, “You are my strength.”
Lisa also expressed gratitude to her mentor, Uyanda Sibiya, saying, “Thank you for the inspiration, the guidance, and the support. You’ve helped me see myself in a stronger light.”
To her friends and the Deaf community, her message was heartfelt, “Thank you for the messages, calls and laughs. To my Deaf community — this moment is for us. For every Deaf person who has ever felt unheard or underestimated. I’m carrying our pride and our voice with me. I’ll shine, and I’ll make you proud.”
READ: Unisa Student and Reigning Miss SA 2024: “Words can’t harm me”
In 2022, Lisa became the first Deaf student at the University of the Free State (UFS) to receive the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary. Then a second-year Linguistics and Sign Language student, she travelled to the UK for three weeks, accompanied by Charity Morrison from the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS), who interpreted for her.
At the time, Lisa said:
She was one of 12 Deaf students enrolled at UFS, at the time.
Lisa is the 2024, Miss Deaf South Africa 2024. While fundraising for Lisa and other South African participants, Janice Jonker — CEO of Miss, Mr & Mrs Deaf South Africa (MDSA) previously said the organisation’s participants often discover strength, friendship and healing through their journey.
South Africa’s Lisa Msiza shines in her crown after making history as the first Black Miss Deaf Universe. Picture supplied.
She previously said that being selected to represent South Africa at Miss Deaf Universe is a life-changing opportunity, particularly for those who have long felt unseen.
Miss & Mister Deaf Universe’s main objective is to raise awareness about social inclusion, guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The event aims to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms for people with disabilities. It also seeks to promote respect for their inherent dignity by breaking down barriers that prevent their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
The story will be updated with new comments.