Applications for learnerships for those living with disabilities are now open while corporates are encouraged to lend their support.
The Mia le Roux Movement x B4i Academy campaign has launched the second phase of the initiative following its successful introduction last year which has seen more than 160 learners living with disabilities placed in accredited learnerships across South Africa.
The reigning Miss South Africa has urged corporates to lend their support and be part of the change and help take the campaign to more communities across South Africa.
The collaboration with the B4i Academy, an initiative of the B4i Project and which is aimed at empowering disabled communities through education, forms part of Le Roux’s advocacy campaign, the Mia Le Roux Movement, a platform dedicated to advocating for the estimated four million deaf people in South Africa, while also raising awareness about all forms of exclusion.
The 160 learners – many of whom who are hearing impaired or face other forms of exclusion – are currently enrolled in fully accredited qualifications such as Business Administration, End-User Computing and Wholesale & Retail.
All learners who complete the programme will receive a NQF 2-5 level accredited qualification at the end of their learnership and will be employable in several industries, from business administration to sales and more.
The second phase of the learner application process is now open and will run until July 8, 2025, at 18.00. Applications can be made via the Miss South Africa website, the B4i Project’s website, the Miss South Africa App or through the links on Official Miss South Africa and Mia le Roux’s social media platforms where the application link can be found alongside guidelines for the applications.
Says Le Roux: “Too often, people with disabilities are excluded from the mainstream economy, not because they lack capability, but because they lack opportunity. This exclusion perpetuates inequality, dependence and wasted potential. If we are to build a truly inclusive, sustainable, and empowered South Africa, we must break down these barriers.
“Inclusion is not charity – it is economic intelligence. The goal is not only access, but meaningful participation in South Africa’s economy. And so I invite all South Africans, and especially those corporates who know they can make a difference and are willing to act and commit to action, to join me by supporting my movement and the vision I share with B4i.”
Her views were echoed by Yolandi Venter, CEO of the B4i Economic Empowerment Division: “We’ve proven that inclusive skills development works. Phase 2 is your invitation to help us do more. One learner at a time, we are reshaping the future.”
Businesses who wish to sponsor or partner with the initiative, can contact Yolandi Venter on email yolandi@b4i.co.za or call 012 940 1900.
Follow the journey using the hashtag: #B4iMiaMovement.
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International.. AFI is the official fashion sponsor.
