JEFFREYS BAY – What started as a fight for survival in a neonatal intensive care unit has blossomed into a journey of empowerment and representation for Quindeny Louw (19) from Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, who is proudly representing the Deaf community as a finalist in the Miss Deaf South Africa 2025/26 competition.
Born premature at just 29 weeks and weighing only 1.2kg, Quindeny’s entry into the world was marked by challenges.
Her mother, Ziona Lamb, had developed preeclampsia, causing early labour that would keep her daughter in the neonatal intensive care unit for two and a half months.
The family’s path has been one of constant adaptation and resilience.
When Quindeny was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at two years old, they embraced the challenge head-on.
She received her first cochlear implant at three years old, followed by a second at six years old.
“I wear cochlear implants and see them as part of my superpower,” said Quindeny.
Originally from Pretoria, where Quindeny attended Sonitus School, the family embarked on a global adventure in 2016, moving to Dubai, where she was homeschooled.
Their journey continued to Zambia in 2019, where the mother-daughter duo offered art classes to the local community, demonstrating their commitment to sharing knowledge and creativity wherever they went.
The family returned to Pretoria in 2022, where Quindeny resumed her studies at Sonitus School for two years.
Ziona said that her final two years at Sonitus School proved triumphant, as she excelled in the school’s beauty pageants.
“In 2023, Quindeny was crowned runner-up Miss Sonitus, and she claimed the title of Miss Sonitus in 2024, a crown she still proudly holds,” said Ziona.
This year marked another new chapter as the family relocated to Paradise Beach in Jeffreys Bay in March, where Quindeny is taking a gap year to focus on her pageant preparation and personal development.
Ziona said that her daughter’s beauty pageant journey began in primary school, though it was temporarily paused during the family’s years in Dubai and Zambia.
Now back in South Africa, she’s making up for lost time with remarkable determination.
Currently studying South African Sign Language, having previously mastered American Sign Language during their international years, Quindeny is also pursuing her passion for gaming.
“She is an avid online gamer, working towards becoming a professional gamer and content creator,” said Ziona.
Her growing profile earned her a nomination earlier this year to be the face of Unplugged Magazine, recognition of her influence and appeal within her community.
The Miss Deaf South Africa finals, scheduled for March 2026, present both an opportunity and a challenge.
Ziona said that Quindeny must complete nine categories before the competition, each requiring dedication and preparation.
With her parents, Ziona and Pieter Lamb, as her biggest supporters, Quindeny is determined to work hard towards potentially winning the Miss Deaf South Africa crown.
“She is a beautiful girl with a beautiful personality,” said Ziona.
To follow Quindeny’s journey, visit her Facebook page: Quindeny Louw – Miss Deaf South Africa Finalist 2025/26.
For more information about Miss Deaf South Africa, email ceo@missdeafsa.co.za or contact 071 470 4022.
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