Uganda Misses Out, South Africa's Miss Zozibini Tunzi Crowned New Miss Universe

The New Miss Universe 2019-2020 is the 26year old Miss South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi after she wowed the judges with her natural stage presence and winning smile.

The natural beauty follows in the footsteps of Margaret Gardiner who was crowned Miss Universe in 1978, followed by Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017.

The first contestant to progress to the top 20, Tunzi did not falter once and made South Africa so very proud at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. Her evening gown was worth the price of admission and as soon as she walked out on the stage, she was the favourite to snatch the crown.

Her Miss Universe bio describes as her as a “passionate activist” who is “engaged in the fight against gender-based violence.

Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe Sunday night after excelling through rounds of swimsuit and evening gown struts, questions on social issues and one final chance to explain why she was the right choice.

According to her biography, she has devoted her social media campaign to change the narrative around gender stereotypes. She is a proud advocate for natural beauty and encourages women to love themselves the way they are.

CONGRATULATIONS #ZozibiniTunzi SOUTH AFRICA IS SO PROUD!

Your victory is refreshing and so important for girls who have darker skin and shorter hair! YES!👏🏾 GIRL!👏🏾
#MissUniverse2019 pic.twitter.com/QqppV3tiHA

— Tatiana Makunike (@TatianaMakunike) December 9, 2019

The two runners-up for the crown were Miss Mexico and Miss Puerto Rico. The massive competition was hosted at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. It has already made history with Miss Myanmar, Swe Zin Htet, who says she’s the first openly gay contestant.

Last year’s winner, Catriona Gray from the Philippines spoke during Sunday’s pageant, saying the past year has been “unforgettable, life-changing and purposeful.

"Tonight a door was opened and I could not be more grateful to have been the one to have walked through it. May every little girl who witnessed this moment forever believe in the power of her dreams and may they see their faces reflected in mine. I am #MissUniverse2019"- she tweeted.

Tonight a door was opened and I could not be more grateful to have been the one to have walked through it.
May every little girl who witnessed this moment forever believe in the power of her dreams and may they see their faces reflected in mine.
I am #MissUniverse2019. pic.twitter.com/gMkjmVCabo

— Zozibini Tunzi (@zozitunzi) December 9, 2019