Zozibini Tunzi, often known as Zozi Tunzi, is a South African model, actress, and beauty pageant titleholder who gained international fame after being crowned Miss Universe 2019. Tunzi made history as the first black South African woman to win the title and the first Miss Universe to proudly wear her natural Afro-textured hair, challenging conventional beauty standards on the global stage.
Zozibini Tunzi Biography
| Full Name: | Zozibini Tunzi |
| Stage Name: | Zozi Tunzi |
| Born: | 18 September 1993 |
| Place of Birth: | Tsolo, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
| Height: | 1.78 m |
| Parents: | Philiswa Nadapu, Lungisa Tunzi |
| Siblings: | Yanga Tunzi, Sibabalwe Tunzi, Ayakha Tunzi |
| Spouse: | Not Married |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Concealed |
| Children: | N/A |
| Occupation: | Actress • Model |
| Net Worth: | $5 million |
Early Life and Education
Zozibini Tunzi (born on September 18, 1993, 31 years old) in Tsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi was raised in a small village called Sidwadweni. Her parents, Philiswa Nodapu and Lungisa Tunzi, raised her as the third of four sisters.
Tunzi attended the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, earning a National Diploma in Public Relations Management in 2018. She also pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Public Relations while interning at Ogilvy Cape Town.
Career: A Rising Star in Pageantry
Zozibini’s pageantry career began in 2017 when she participated in Miss South Africa. Although she was only a semifinalist, she didn’t give up. 2019, she returned to the competition, eventually winning the Miss South Africa 2019 title. Tunzi’s victory came with numerous prizes, including R1 million, a luxury car, and a furnished apartment in Sandton worth R5 million.
In a post-win interview, Tunzi expressed, “I am so honored and excited to be representing the women of South Africa on the global stage, particularly those who look like me, with my kind of hair, and who feel like they could never represent themselves.” You can read more about this moment in her CNN interview.
Miss Universe 2019: A Historic Victory
On December 8, 2019, Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe 2019 at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, marking a historic win. She was the first woman with natural Afro-textured hair to win Miss Universe and the third South African to earn the crown.
During the pageant, Tunzi made headlines with her inspiring message about leadership and representation. In her final answer during the competition, she said, “I grew up in a world where women who look like me — with my kind of skin and my kind of hair — were never considered beautiful. I think it is time that stops today.”
Post-Miss Universe Reign and Cultural Influence
Tunzi’s reign as Miss Universe lasted 525 days, the longest in the pageant’s history, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, she advocated for gender equality and natural beauty. She worked with organizations like UN Women to promote female empowerment.
After her reign, Tunzi continued to make strides in various industries. In 2022, she debuted in acting with her role in “The Woman King,” a film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. This film marked a new phase in her career, showing her versatility beyond the world of pageantry.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Tunzi has been actively involved in philanthropy since her time as Miss Universe. She is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender-based violence awareness. Her work with UN Women and HeForShe emphasizes her commitment to social justice causes.
She once stated, “My mission is to amplify the voices of the marginalized and to remind everyone that our differences make us powerful.”
Current Ventures and Public Appearances
In 2024, Zozibini Tunzi was announced as a judge for Miss Universe Vietnam, adding another feather to her cap as a global influencer. She also continues to work in fashion, appearing in Vogue and other prominent fashion publications.
Personal Life
Zozibini Tunzi has remained relatively private about her personal life. She is currently unmarried and has no children. She often speaks about her close relationship with her family and her dedication to her advocacy work.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2024, Zozibini Tunzi’s net worth is around $5 million. Her income streams come from her pageantry wins, ambassadorial roles, acting career, and endorsements.
Social Media Presence
Zozibini maintains an active social media presence, engaging with her fans and promoting her advocacy work. Follow her on:
FAQs
Does Zozibini Tunzi have a child?
She is currently unmarried and has no children.
Is Zozibini Tunzi in a relationship?
Zozibini Tunzi has remained relatively private about her personal life.