December 8th, 2019, Zozibini Tunzi’s life changed forever. South Africans couldn’t be more proud of 26-year old Zozi, as she is affectionately known.
The girl from Eastern Cape was crowned Miss Universe.
Speaking on Morning Live, she says the feeling of being crowned Miss universe has not completely sunk in.
Though she has not watched the whole show, she says she still remembers that night like it was yesterday.
She says she hopes people, especially women, can see themselves in her and start believing in themselves.
“We all have felt like we don’t belong at some point in our lives. People tend to box us a lot. So in that moment, I was hoping people would see themselves in me and believe in themselves.”
She says she did not enter beauty pageants because she thought she was the most beautiful woman in South Africa but because she felt she had a voice, an opinion to share.
“I was just looking for a platform where I can be able to stand and voice my opinions and look for a position of leadership. I felt this was the platform I needed to get my message across.”
The Tsolo-born beauty queen is passionate about women’s issues and challenges.
She has since been appointed an ambassador in the fight against gender-based violence by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
She says: “I am extremely honoured to be given this role, to work with South African women. The safety and protection of women is something I am very passionate about. So to be able to advocate for that is an honour.” Edited by Busi Mthanti
Watch full interview below
