We cannot name our Wonder women without talking about Miss Zozibini Tunzi, the South African beauty queen that emerged Miss Universe in her original African state. Miss Zozibini gave confidence to thousands of young African girls and showcased that Black is the new beauty standard. From her Afro hair, natural face; to her skin tone and answers to her questions, Zozibini Tunzi is a Wonder Woman!
Zozibini Tunzi was born in Tsolo, Eastern Cape to parents; Philiswa Nadapu and Lungisa Tunzi, and raised in the nearby village of Sidwadweni. She attended Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where she graduated with a National Diploma in public relations management in 2018.
Prior to winning Miss South Africa, Tunzi was completing a Bachelor of Technology graduate degree in public relations management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology; and worked as a graduate intern in the public relations department of Ogilvy Cape Town.
26 year old, Zozibini Tunzi beat 89 other women to clinch this crown as the first black woman from her country to win the Miss Universe crown.
Achievements
Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe 2019 by outgoing titleholder Catriona Gray of the Philippines; beating first runner-up Madison Anderson of Puerto Rico and second runner-up Sofía Aragón of Mexico. However, Tunzi’s win is South Africa’s third Miss Universe crown; she is the first black woman to win the Miss Universe title since Leila Lopes was crowned Miss Universe 2011; and the first to do so with afro-textured hair. During the final round, the top three were each asked the same question; “What is the most important thing we should teach young girls today?” To which Tunzi replied:
I think 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 is what we should be teaching these young girls, to take up space, nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself, thank you.
Tunzi Fighting Gender Based Violence
Zozibini Tunzi appeared on Trevor Noah’s Daily Show, shortly after her Miss Universe Win where she further buttressed her stand on gender violence, body positivity, colorism, racism and Ofcourse her hair!
Therefore, Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi has been chosen as an ambassador for SA in the fight against gender-based violence. South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa praised Zozibini Tunzi for her work in battling the scourge of femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) on the African continent; electing her an ambassador in the fight.
Before emerging as Miss Universe, Tunzi said as South Africa observed 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence; she would use the miss universe opportunity to advocate for women empowerment and address gender-based violence globally.
“The Miss Universe platform as well as the Miss South Africa platform are some of the few platforms that actually give women the ability to lead and the sooner we start looking at it as a leadership position, the less it’s something that’s taboo and the more we can start moving forward as women,” she said.
Intelligence!
During the Top 5 question and answer segment, Tunzi stated that individuals, government leaders and corporations should all be taking action toward protecting the planet, noting that it’s time adults listen to young children who have taken part in climate strikes and protests.
“Since sixth grade, I’ve been learning that the climate is deteriorating and the planet is dying, and it is up to us to keep our planet safe,” she said.
The Famous Answer
When asked what she thinks is the most important thing young girls should be taught today, Tunzi responded; “I think the most important thing … is leadership.”
“It’s something that has been lacking in young women and girls for a very long time, not because we don’t want to but because of what society has labeled women to be,” she added. “I think we are the most powerful beings in the world and that we should be given every opportunity. And that is what we should be teaching these young girls — to take up space.”
Her response was retweeted by Oprah Winfrey, who agreed with the sentiment; and extended an invitation for Tunzi to visit the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
Additionally, a clip of Tunzi addressing gender-based violence during the Miss South Africa competition made rounds on Twitter as people congratulated her on her new title.
In the video, a presenter asked; what reason South African women have to keep smiling despite facing challenges like emotional, physical and economic abuse.
“We have absolutely no reason to keep smiling because South African women are dying everyday and mostly people are doing nothing about it,” Tunzi replied; “I think it’s time that we stop asking women what to do and start asking perpetrators to do better, to be better, to start treating women the way that they deserve to be treated.”
Tunzi’s Fashion And Style
What else can we expect from the miss universe herself? The beauty Queen is stylish and we are proud of her! Take a look at the wonders of Tunzi’s various wardrobe exhibitions.
In the words of Miss Universe, who once said “women are not one-dimensional and therefore you cannot box their beauty. We all come in different shapes, sizes and shades, with natural hair and weaves”. We are inspiring all black People to love themselves.
