The Eastern Cape beauty took the title at the pageant in Atlanta in the US.
Zozibini defeated Puerto Rico’s Madison Anderson and Mexico’s Sofía Aragon in the top three.
The new #MissUniverse2019 is… SOUTH AFRICA!!!! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/gRW8vcuT3A
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 9, 2019
After wowing the judges and fans throughout the competition Zozibini managed to swoop the title, taking over from Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
Zozibini is the third South African to win the Miss Universe crown. The first was Margaret Gardiner in 1978, followed by Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters in 2017.
She is also the first Miss Universe to wear the brand-new “Power of Unity” crown which is said to be worth R73 million.
Various South Africans stayed awake through the night to watch a live stream of the show and got the hashtag #zoziformissuniverse trending along with the various other viewers throughout the globe who decided that she should take the crown.
Our hearts are swelling with pride. You have represented South Africa with elegance, integrity and authenticity. We are so proud of you, @ZoziTunzi.
South Africa, meet your new Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi! #MissUniverseSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/RK8sCw1y76
— Miss South Africa (@Official_MissSA) December 9, 2019
Yeeess! Zozibini has taken it! Miss Universe 2019.
SA got the crown in 2017, runner up in 2018 and we regain in 2019! Congratulations Tolokazi, Dlangamandla, Zulu, Mchenge! #MissUniverse2019 @zozitunzi pic.twitter.com/ZHmo2o2czc— Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) December 9, 2019
If zozibini doesn't win this….she was robbed point blank…..here I said it…..she mopped the floor…#missuniversesouthafrica
— somizi somGAGA (@somizi) December 9, 2019
