South African model Zozibini Tunzi made history on Sunday when she was crowned the 2019 Miss Universe.
The stunning 26-years-old raised in Tsolo, South Africa excelled through rounds of swimsuit and evening gown struts, questions on social issues and one final chance to explain why she was the right choice, is the first black woman to earn the title since Leila Lopes was crowned Miss Universe 2011.
Tunzi wowed the judges with her natural stage presence and winning smile, as well as her proudly South African fashion creations.
"I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me — with my kind of skin and my kind of hair — was never considered to be beautiful," she said in her last response.
"I think it is time that that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine."
The two runners-up for the crown were Miss Mexico and Miss Puerto Rico. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, from the Philippines, presented Tunzi with the crown.
Steve Harvey hosted the pageant for the fifth time sporting a bedazzled green and gold suit jacket. The massive competition was hosted at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
This is the third Miss Universe crown for South Africa, with Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters being declared the winner in 2017.
Here are a few fun facts about the new Miss Universe.
She is passionate about leadership and activism
Zozibini’s campaign as Miss South Africa included partnering with HeForShe, a UN organization represented by celebrities like Emma Watson that encourages men to fight alongside women for gender equality.
After her win, Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey invited her to give a talk to her South African special school.
She is the current Miss South Africa
Zozibini is the current Miss South Africa. She first contested for the crown in 2017, but was eliminated. She came back two years later, and won!
She has a public relations background
Zozibini holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and image management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, in 2018.
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