MISS Deaf South Africa 2023 finalist Monequ Edwards wants to win the pageant to promote the use of sign language in Mzansi.
The 23-year-old model from Primrose, Germiston, Ekurhuleni enjoys strutting her stuff on the runway and doing photoshoots, but she wants to change how society views deaf people.
She told Daily Sun that she joined the competition because she loves modelling and being in front of the camera.
“Most people told me that I should join Miss Deaf South Africa. I did not think of joining, but I asked myself, 'Why not?' and applied to enter this year,” said Monequ.
She said she is thrilled to have made it to the Top 12 of the Miss Deaf South Africa 2023 finalist stage.
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“I'm thrilled to join. I can learn to build my confidence to interact with people, make some difference in our deaf community, and promote deaf awareness in the hearing community; that is where I can bridge the gap between deaf and hearing communities,” she said.
Monequ said being one of the finalists is a great deal for her as it is an opportunity to interact with people.
“It reflects my experiences, determination and commitment to speaking up for the deaf community and promoting deaf culture, South African Sign Language (SASL), and inclusivity. It also motivates me to encourage deaf people to achieve their dreams when they feel like giving up,” she said.
The model said she is proud of being deaf and using sign language.
“I'm grateful to hear that sign language is now recognised as the 12th official language in South Africa. Some days after many news announced that SASL is the 12th official language, I noticed hearing people often started whispering and staring at me when I signed with deaf friends,” she said.
