At nearly 34 years old, Anzunél van Der Walt is a proud resident of Krugersdorp with a remarkable story. Born Deaf and raised in an Afrikaans-speaking family, Anzunél has embraced her identity and transformed it into a source of strength and pride. As a finalist in the Mr., Miss, and Ms. Deaf South Africa competition, she’s using her platform to advocate for Deaf awareness and inclusion, challenging stereotypes and championing Deaf rights along the way.
Growing up, Anzunél faced a unique set of challenges. She attended Transoranje School for the Deaf in Pretoria West, where she learned not only academics but also resilience. Losing her father at just 14 years old, she and her two younger sisters were raised by their determined mother, a woman Anzunél credits as one of her greatest role models. Watching her mother persevere through adversity taught Anzunél the value of hard work and the importance of believing in oneself.
“I’ve always admired my mom’s strength,” Anzunél shares. “Raising three children alone isn’t easy, but she’s shown me that you can achieve anything with determination and heart.”
Anzunél’s motto, “Work hard in silence and let your success be your noise,” encapsulates her approach to life. She believes in the power of positivity, the necessity of hard work, and the value of believing in oneself. This philosophy is evident in everything she does, from her advocacy work to her involvement in the Deaf community.
Today, Anzunél is married with three hearing children and remains deeply connected to her roots in Krugersdorp. Her journey through life has instilled in her a passion for advocacy and a dedication to raising awareness about Deaf issues. Her role models, alongside her mother, include her long-time friend Angelique Gerber, whose own journey to success has inspired Anzunél to pursue her dreams without reservation.
Entering the MDSA competition represents more than a chance at a crown for Anzunél; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. “I want to use this platform to promote Deaf Awareness and prove that I am worthy of making a difference,” she says. As she prepares for the final gala event on October 12th, Anzunél is focused on showcasing the diversity and talent within the Deaf community.
Her plans for the competition include sign language performances and storytelling, which she hopes will demonstrate the beauty and depth of Deaf culture. “Representation is so important,” she emphasizes. “Being visible in the pageant world means challenging norms and creating opportunities for the Deaf community to be seen and celebrated for who we are.”
As Anzunél heads into the final stretch of her MDSA journey, she invites others to join her in embracing the Deaf community and breaking down barriers. Her vision for the future is rooted in self-belief and positivity, and she hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams regardless of their circumstances.
We at Blue Monkey Magazine wish Anzunél the best of luck and are honored to share her story as she reaches for the crown, paving the way for future generations to dream big and break boundaries.
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