The HESC has very proudly sponsored the new Ms. Deaf South Africa, Vickie Fourie, for the year of her reign. This remarkable young lady is a true princess in every sense, and has displayed an extraordinary maturity, courage, passion and beauty that is much more than skin-deep. Vickie also holds the responsibilities of spokesperson for the deaf/hard of hearing, and ambassador for Hoedspruit (HESC).

Narda Els, founder of the Ms Deaf SA pageant, says after the first competition was held the organisers realised that there are many undiscovered talented women within the Deaf society, and that it was possible to compete against the rest of the world. “We decided that it was time to create a showcase for Deaf people in South Africa, irrespective of race, age or culture. This pageant has become a vehicle for crossing the communication gap between the Deaf and hearing communities. ”

The organisers searched for a Deaf lady who would be an ambassador for South Africa and who would, most of all, be someone who could educate the hearing about the Deaf community and share views regarding the so-called ‘disability’ of being Deaf. She will have to deal with issues such as unemployment, human rights, better communication, and proper training institutions for the Deaf.

And Vicki Fourie emerged as "Belle of the Ball".

Other sponsors of the pageanat included British Airways/ Comair; Carnival City; Xcellence Beauty Academy, and many more. For a full list of sponsors, click here.

We look forward to closely following Vicki in the year of her reign. For further information, please visit her website: www.vickifourie.blogspot.com

Vicki Fourie