When Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe 2019, she didn’t just win a pageant—she changed global beauty standards forever. The South African beauty queen made history as the first Black woman to wear the crown with natural, unaltered hair, sending a powerful message about authenticity and representation. But beyond the glittering tiara lies the remarkable story of a village girl who dared to dream big. This is the inspiring journey of Zozi, from the rural Eastern Cape to the world stage.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zozibini Tunzi |
| Age | 30 (Born September 18, 1993) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Known For | Miss Universe 2019, Activist |
| Occupation | Model, Actress, Public Speaker |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Distinctive Features | Natural Afro hair, radiant smile |
| Education | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (PR Degree) |
| Titles | Miss South Africa 2019, Miss Universe 2019 |
| Social Media | @zozitunzi (Instagram) |
Early Life & Background
Born in the small village of Tsolo, Eastern Cape, Zozibini (affectionately called Zozi) grew up surrounded by the rich Xhosa culture and tight-knit family values. Her parents, Philiswa Nadapu and Lungisa Tunzi, instilled in her the importance of education and self-worth from a young age.
Life in rural South Africa wasn’t easy, but Zozi’s childhood was filled with storytelling, traditional songs, and dreams bigger than her surroundings. She often credits her upbringing for keeping her grounded, even after global fame.
Age & Physical Appearance
At 30 years old, Zozibini represents a new generation of beauty queens who challenge conventional standards. Standing tall at 5’10”, her statuesque frame and unapologetically natural Afro hair became her trademarks.
Her radiant dark skin, striking features, and megawatt smile redefined what pageant beauty could look like. In an industry that once favored Eurocentric features, Zozi proudly wore her Xhosa heritage like a crown—even before she won one.
Education & Early Career
Before pageants, Zozi pursued a Bachelor’s in Public Relations at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She worked in corporate communications, but her passion for gender equality and activism soon steered her toward a bigger platform.
Her early advocacy work included speaking out against gender-based violence (GBV)—a cause that would later define her reign.
Pageant Journey Beginnings
Zozi never imagined herself as a pageant girl. But in 2019, she took a leap of faith and entered Miss South Africa.
Her preparation was intense:
- Public speaking coaching
- Fitness and wellness training
- Mastering the art of walking in heels (she jokes she could barely walk straight at first!)
Despite being a dark-skinned woman with natural hair in a competition that historically favored relaxed textures, she refused to conform.
Miss South Africa 2019
Her Miss SA win was a cultural reset. For the first time, a natural-haired, dark-skinned Black woman represented South Africa at Miss Universe.
Her crowning moment wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a win for every girl who’d been told her natural beauty wasn’t “pageant material.”
Miss Universe Victory
At the 2019 Miss Universe competition, Zozi delivered one of the most iconic final answers in pageant history:
“We should be teaching young girls to take up space. Nothing is as important as taking up space in society.”
The judges were mesmerized. She won unanimously.
Global reactions poured in:
- Lupita Nyong’o celebrated her on Instagram
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called her a national treasure
- Little girls worldwide posted photos with her signature Afro
Activism & Advocacy
Zozi used her platform to champion:
✔ Ending gender-based violence (a crisis in South Africa)
✔ Natural hair acceptance in schools/workplaces
✔ Education for underprivileged girls
She partnered with UN Women and became a global ambassador for female empowerment.
Modeling & Acting Career
Post-Miss Universe, Zozi:
- Walked runways for African fashion giants
- Starred in TV shows like Blood & Water
- Became a L’Oréal Paris ambassador
Public Persona & Influence
With 1.4M Instagram followers, Zozi balances:
- Glamorous modeling shots
- Raw, unfiltered activism posts
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life
Her authenticity makes her relatable yet aspirational.
Personal Life & Relationships
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Zozi keeps her romantic life private but shares close bonds with:
- Her parents and siblings
- Fellow Miss Universe alumni
- South African celebrities like Bonang Matheba
Conclusion
Zozibini Tunzi didn’t just wear a crown—she rewrote the rules of beauty pageants. Today, she continues to:
- Advocate for women’s rights
- Break barriers in modeling
- Inspire the next generation
Her legacy? Proof that unapologetic Black beauty is universal.
FAQs
Who is Zozibini Tunzi?
Zozibini Tunzi is a South African model, actress and activist who made history as Miss Universe 2019, becoming the first winner to wear her natural Afro hair throughout the competition.
How old is Zozibini Tunzi?
Born September 18, 1993, Zozibini is currently 30 years old. She won Miss Universe at age 26 after first being crowned Miss South Africa earlier that year.
Where is Zozibini Tunzi from?
She hails from Tsolo, a small village in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, where she grew up immersed in Xhosa culture before moving to Cape Town for university.
Why was her Miss Universe win significant?
Zozi’s victory challenged traditional beauty standards as the first Black woman to win with unaltered natural hair, inspiring dark-skinned girls worldwide to embrace their authentic beauty.
What does Zozibini Tunzi do now?
Since her reign, she’s become a sought-after model, L’Oréal ambassador, actress (Blood & Water), and vocal activist against gender-based violence in South Africa.
What was her famous Miss Universe answer?
Her iconic response about “teaching girls to take up space” went viral for its powerful feminist message about women’s empowerment and societal inclusion.
Is Zozibini Tunzi on social media?
Yes, she’s active on Instagram (@zozitunzi) with 1.4M followers, where she shares modeling work, activism, and glimpses of her personal life while maintaining professionalism.
What causes does she support?
Her primary advocacy focuses on ending gender-based violence, promoting natural hair acceptance, and improving education access for underprivileged South African girls through various initiatives.
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