Miss South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi, was crowned as Miss Universe 2019 on Sunday night. The competition with 89 other contestants took place in Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, but Tunzi’s outstanding beauty and well-organized statements made her an obvious choice to receive the crown. 

Beauty queen Tunzi has inspired many people all over the world. As a passionate activist and public relations professional, the 26-year-old is engaged in the fight against gender-based violence. When the final three contestants were asked the final question of what they believe should be taught to young girls today, she answered, “leadership”. “It’s something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a very long time…because of what society has labeled women to be,” she says, “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.” Tunzi has devoted her social media campaign to change the beliefs of gender stereotypes. After growing up in a world where women who looked like her weren’t considered beautiful, it is time for a change, she claims. She is a “proud advocate for natural beauty and encourages women to love themselves the way that they are”.

Tunzi’s success was the second Miss Universe title for South Africa. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, who won the Miss Universe 2017 as the other South African, congratulated Tunzi, saying, “What a woman you are!” As Miss Universe,  Tunzi is inspired to continue to amplify her campaign and spark immense amounts of change among young women in the world today.