A dream come true for Miss Deaf SA
FOR JANIE Erasmus, winning Miss Deaf South Africa 2015 carries more meaning than just the silver crown, the lavish gifts and the famed title.
It is a form of liberation for all the struggles she had endured throughout her life.
Communicating through an interpreter, Erasmus expressed her excitement about claiming the crown on Friday night at the Barnyard Theatre in Pretoria.
“This still feels like a dream to me. But rest assured I will use the prestigious platform that comes with winning to support the deaf community.”
She described her journey as being an obstacle course, from her early school days up until her work environment as a financial administrator.
“I lost my hearing when I was eight months old. Doctors still don’t know what caused it. The first school I attended was for deaf people, but then I moved to Eldoraigne High. I had a tough time adjusting at a normal school.”
Although she took her deafness in her stride, she says she could sense people talking and laughing behind her back.
“School is hard enough for people who can hear; imagine how it feels for people who can’t hear,” she said.
The 27-year-old from Centurion was one of 12 finalists. The judging process involved their performance while attending charity events. The finalists were interviewed by an external panel of judges before the night of the pageant.
On the night, the finalists strutted down a ramp in evening and cocktail dresses. They were also required to show off one of their respective talents.
One of the pageant directors, Leviena Smit, said Miss Deaf SA must set a perfect example for deaf people.
“Miss Deaf South Africa must be an ambassador for her country, but most of all, she must be someone who can educate the hearing about the deaf community and share with them the views of the deaf community regarding so-called disability. She will deal with and improve issues such as unemployment, human rights, better communication, and proper training institutions.”
The pageant has been running since 1997, and in 2000, it was founded as a non-profit organisation by Gert and Narda Els. Its aim is to provide inspiration and opportunities to young deaf women.
A number of the women, including first princess Ellen Mans, 21, and second princess Christi Greeff, 21, would like to see sign language introduced as a subject at schools and as one of South Africa’s official languages.
Erasmus will compete on the international stage, representing South Africa at the Miss Deaf World pageant.