Monequ Edwards, newly crowned as Miss Deaf South Africa, celebrated her birthday on September 18 with residents of the Max Ordman Deaf Association in Lombardy East.
With September being the National Month of Deaf People, her birthday could not have been better timed. And what a birthday month it was, with Monequ taking home the Miss Deaf SA crown at a glittering ceremony in Cape Town.
The Germiston resident posted this on her Facebook page on her birthday:
“Today is my birthday. I visited the deaf elders… and spoiled them with my homemade milk tart. It gave me goosebumps to see their happiness, but at the same time, I was emotional. In April 2023, I went there for the charity, and they asked me to come again when I won, so I kept their promise. I surprised them today with my crown and sash, and they were over the moon!
“We chatted the whole morning and I showed them the pictures of the gala evening and the happiness on their faces inspired me and reminded me of my late grandparents. My birthday wish is to spend time with them on my birthday. I am so blessed to be there today. Thank you Rand Aid Association for making my wish come true!”
A few days later, on September 23, she again visited MODA, and posted this on her Facebook page:
“Today is the International Day of Sign Language. Rand Aid Association’s MODA home invited me to spend time there and I taught children [visiting Edenvale cubs] some basic signs. It’s interesting to see the deaf elders use a different South African Sign Language dialect to me. Big thanks to the managers and Rand Aid for making this special day to celebrate our sign language.”
MODA resident Sarah Richards with Monequ Edwards.
Miss Deaf SA
Monequ Edwards with MODA resident Regina Ratshosana.
MODA residents with Miss Deaf SA Monequ Edwards.
Fritz Konig and kitchen supervisor Aletta Mnisi with Miss Deaf SA Monequ Edwards.
Miss Deaf SA Monequ Edwards chats with MODA residents as they eat.
