Miss South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi, won the title of the Miss Universe 2019 after beating runners-up Puerto Rico’s Madison Anderson and Mexico’s Sofia Aragon in the final.
The 26-year-old has been crowned out of 90 contestants from across the world who took part in the competition. Girls competed in various segments like, best costume, swimsuit and discussing current affairs including climate change, protest, and social media.
After winning the title she said, she wanted to teach young girls about leadership, and Zozibini revealed: ‘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.
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.’
Exact prices aren’t revealed, but she is expected to win a year’s free rent in a New York apartment worth $100,000 (£76,000), She’ll also fly around the world for media and modeling opportunities.
Zozibini is the first black woman to win the competition since Leila Lopes in 2011!
Earlier in the competition, Zozibini said of 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 labeled women to be,’ she said.
‘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.’
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray Filipino-Australian, 25, who won the title at last year’s pageant, handed the crown over to Miss South Africa.
‘I’ve always believed that as women we have the power to redefine our generation,’ Gray said. ‘When we raise our voices together, the words ‘woman power’ become more than just a phrase. They become a movement.’
‘To everyone with a dream, know that your dreams are valid. And on your path you are never denied, only redirected,’ she added.
In a sparkling gown, glamorous swimwear and pearly smiles, contestants competed with each other to win the title.
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