Zozibini Tunzi
Zozibini Tunzi (born September 18, 1993) is a South African model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe 2019. She is the third woman from South Africa to win the Miss Universe pageant, after Margaret Gardiner in 1978 and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017. Tunzi is also the first black woman to win the Miss Universe pageant since Leila Lopes of Angola in 2011.
Tunzi was born and raised in Tsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She attended Tsolo Junior Secondary School and later studied public relations management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Tunzi began her modelling career in 2017, when she was crowned Miss South Africa. She went on to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant, where she was crowned the winner on December 8, 2019.
As Miss Universe, Tunzi used her platform to advocate for gender equality, education, and self-acceptance. She spoke out against gender-based violence and discrimination, and she encouraged young people to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Tunzi also used her platform to promote South African culture and tourism.
Tunzi's reign as Miss Universe was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. She was the first Miss Universe to be crowned during a pandemic, and she had to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic, including travel restrictions and social distancing. Tunzi continued to use her platform to advocate for her causes, and she also used her social media accounts to connect with her fans and followers.
Tunzi's reign as Miss Universe ended on May 16, 2021, when she crowned her successor, Andrea Meza of Mexico. Tunzi returned to South Africa, where she continued to work as a model and advocate. She also launched her own foundation, the Zozibini Tunzi Foundation, which aims to empower young people and promote education.
Zozibini Tunzi is a role model for young people around the world. She is an intelligent, articulate, and compassionate woman who is passionate about making a difference in the world. Tunzi is an inspiration to all who know her, and she is sure to continue to achieve great things in her life.