South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi has been crowned Miss Universe 2019 at an event in the United States, winning over judges and the audience along the way by declaring that the most important thing to teach young girls was leadership.
Tunzi, who recently completed her university studies in public relations and sports short, natural tightly curled African hair, said she wanted to help shatter racial stereotypes about beauty.
“I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me, with my kind of skin and kind of hair is never considered to be beautiful and I think that it is time that…stops,” she said to rousing applause during the pageant, broadcast live on Monday morning South African time.
(c) Instagram
Dressed in a gold and blue designer gown, the 26-year-old who grew up in rural South Africa wept as Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray placed the crown on her head.
“We are delighted and not in the least surprised. She shone in every way during the pre-process in the run up to Miss Universe,” said Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa organisation.
“Zozi has such a unique look, she was a front runner from the start. We are so very proud of her. She is beautiful both outside and in.”
Tunzi is the third Miss South Africa to be crowned Miss Universe, after Margaret Gardiner in 1978 and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters two years ago.
People took to Twitter to congratulate her.
#MissUniverse2019 She has made us tremendously proud as a country but most importantly she has taught us that you lose nothing by being yourself. She has open doors for other brown skin girls who were afraid to try coz they felt like they aren’t pretty enough. Thank you Queen♥️ pic.twitter.com/CbmD83Tweb
— Thatharingo (@Thabz_Zincume) December 9, 2019
Beauty and brain should always go hand in hand. Sincere congratulations to you my dear sister @zozitunzi for winning #MissUniverse2019 very proud of you. pic.twitter.com/9EKkl8e1yI
— Segopotje Nkadimeng (@SegopotjeNkadi3) December 9, 2019
#ZozibiniTunzi #MissUniverse2019 #brownskingirl I grew up in the same world…Thank u @zozitunzi for rewriting the script of society. pic.twitter.com/L9Z4LZlybw
— TheeOnlyDaughter (@Eulenda_12) December 9, 2019
Imagine how many girls feel represented right now! 😭 #MissUniverse2019
— Vuyo (@Vuyo_Unchained) December 9, 2019
-ANA, editing by Stella Mapenzauswa
