Kuils River man vying for Mr Deaf SA title vows to break the stereotype

Armand Groenwald, 42, of Kuils River, who is a finalist for Mr Deaf South Africa 2025/26, has vowed to show that deaf people are capable of achieving greatness.

He is among the ten finalists vying for the title.

Miss, Mr, and Mrs Deaf South Africa (MDSA) is a pageant that empowers the deaf community by developing leadership, confidence, and skills through coaching and competition. 

Contestants had to submit their audiogram by June this year to prove they are deaf, a copy of their Identity Document, and a completed application form with questions about themselves and why they wanted to enter the competition.

Voting started in July and will close at the end of Publicity Week in March 2026, where finalists will be judged on their personality, confidence, leadership, and communication. They will also take part in charity projects and fundraising, which are important parts of the judging process.

Mr Groenwald said he was born hard of hearing but could hear and speak with the help of two hearing aids. He said he lost hearing in his left ear when he turned 40 and decided to get a cochlear implant.

“I chose to participate in modelling because I want to make deaf awareness grow across South Africa, not just in my hometown. I want to show everyone that deaf people have talent and can achieve great things, just like anyone else. My goal is to be an example that deaf people can do anything if they believe in themselves,” he told Northern News.

Mr Groenwald said he regarded the competition as an opportunity to break stereotypes about the deaf community.

You can vote for him by sending an SMS with the message “MDS12” to 47439 (R3 per SMS). You can also send a bulk vote of 100/MDS12 via the official MDSA bank account.

As part of their journey, each finalist is encouraged to raise a minimum of R3 000. The funds will cover the costs of the Publicity Week, including accommodation, food, and other expenses.

MDSA chief executive Janice Jonker said the 2025/2026 edition features 26 finalists divided into three categories: eight finalists for Miss Deaf South Africa, 10 finalists for Mr Deaf South Africa, and eight finalists for Ms Deaf South Africa.

She said her team also helps with fundraising to support the event. You can support the pageant via BackaBuddy campaign.

For more information, contact Mr Groenwald at Armand.groenwald93@gmail.com, or Ms Jonker at ceo@missdeafsa.co.za.