ALL HAIL SA’S
QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE
YESTERDAY South Africans woke up to the exciting news that their beauty queen, Zozibini Tunzi is no longer just Miss South Africa, she added another title to her name as Miss Universe.
The 27 year-old from Tsolo, Sidwadweni in the Eastern Cape who was crowned Miss SA on Women’s Day, August 9, was named Miss Universe. The ceremony took place at Tyler Perry Studios, Atlanta, Georgia, US.
After making it to the Top 3 against Mexico and Puerto Rico, it was clear Tunzi would take home the crownafter winning the hearts of many with her answer when asked the question, “What is the most important thing we should be teaching young girls today?”
She said: “The most important thing we should be teaching young girls today is leadership. It’s something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a very long time, not because we don’t want to, but because of what society has labelled women to be. I think we are the most powerful beings in the world and that we should be given every opportunity and that’s what we should be teaching young girls... to take up space. There is nothing more important than to take up space in society.”
Tunzi is the first black woman to earn the title since Leila Lopes was crowned Miss Universe 2011.
Coming from a disadvantaged background, with short natural hair and having failed to win the Miss SA competition before, Tunzi is a true definition of “dreams delayed are not denied”. Before becoming Miss SA, she had entered the competition twice and was a semi-finalist in 2017.
“I’m so ecstatic, I think everyone is still waking up. They are going to wake up to a storm of news.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had as much support as I did coming into the Miss South Africa crown, so I think this will be something extra and very special for everyone back home. I just want to tell them that I love them very much and thank you for all the support they’ve shown me for the past four months and we’re here to do this another 12 more months and it’s going to be absolutely amazing,” said Tunzi.
South Africans indeed supported her throughout the journey and these are some of the reactions following her new Miss Universe title.
“This kind of Universe. To exist in it. To occupy its space. To wear it’s crown. Shine Zozibini Shine. Shine South Africa Shine,” said Nomzamo Mbatha.
“Our Queen. So poised and graceful. So deserving. That crown. This moment. So perfectly fitting on you. @zozitunzi Your win has done more for us than you can possibly imagine,” said Boity Thulo.
“In a world of conformity, being yourself is the most powerful thing you can be. We lead by the light of our example! Congratulations gorgeous girl! You’re a bright shining star,” added Lira.
Tunzi follows in the steps of Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, who was also named Miss Universe in 2017.