A dazzling Zozibini Tunzi has been crowned Miss South Africa 2019 as the iconic pageant proudly celebrated Women’s Day with a glittering and star-studded event at the Sun Arena, in Time Square, Pretoria.
The 25-year-old public relations graduate from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, and now resident in Cape Town, will receive R1-million in cash as well as a further R2 million worth of sponsorships and prizes, including the use of a luxury Sandton apartment and a Mercedes-Benz cabriolet for a year.
Runner-up was Sasha-Lee Olivier (26), from Alberton, whoreceived R250 000 in cash.
Winner of the People’s Choice was Chuma Matsaluka, 21, from Nyanga in the Western Cape, who is in her third year ofa humanities degree at UCT.
In her Miss South Africa acceptance speech, an emotional Tunzi said: “For as long as I can remember, I always knew that I had to do something extraordinary with my life. I knew that to live a fulfilling life I had to live a purposeful life; a life of service. I believe that every single person was brought into this world for a purpose and that we should never leave the world as we found it, we should always strive to make a positive change.
“At a young age I did not have a clear idea of how I would achieve this, but I knew I had to find a way to be impactful and to be a catalyst for positive change in my community and even the world. Finally, everything has come full circle as I find myself with the Miss South Africa crown, ready to deliver on the promises I have been making since I was child. I am inspired by the likes of Steve Biko, Nelson Mandela, Princess Diana and those of their calibre. They understood fully what it means to be selfless and to stand for something.
“I stand for the education of the South African youth, for equality and representation, as a Miss South Africa, I cannot wait to make a contribution to these important social causes.
“I came into this competition with my natural hair as a symbol of my firm belief in fair representation of any shape and form. And so, through my win, I hope I have inspired people, even if just one person to be themselves at all times and to never compromise their identities, and to insert themselves in spaces where they feel that people like them do not belong. Because the truth is, we do belong and in the words of the actress Lupita Nyong’o ‘Your dreams are valid’.”
The event, hosted by Bonang Matheba in front of an audience of thousands and broadcast live on M-Net and Mzansi Magic, was a spectacular affair with live music provided by some of the who’s who of the SA music industry including Sho Madjozi, Nasty C, Amanda Black and Jesse Clegg.
However, one of the most emotional moments was when the unsung “Mother of the Nation” award was given to SolaniMirriam Mazibuko (71) of the Orlando Children’s Home. She was honoured for her selflessness and unstinting dedication to children in distress and received R50 000 from the Miss South Africa Organisation and sponsors LFP Group.
Miss South Africa Organisation’s Stephanie Weil was delighted: “This year’s pageant was a spectacular tribute to Women’s Day and we couldn’t be more delighted with Zozibini who is a truly worthy winner and who embodies and personifies all the attributes of a Miss South Africa. Someone who is kind, generous, intelligent, caring, hardworking and beautiful inside and out and has a strong commitment to uplifting the women and children and those less fortunate.”
Said Gareth Flusk from Sun International: “Zozibini joins an illustrious sisterhood of women who have won the title and who have continued to make a difference long after their reign has ended. We believe that Zozibini will capture the hearts and imagination of South Africans and we look forward to seeing what she is going to achieve.”
Added LFP Group CEO Louis Pulzone: “After months of anticipation, we have finally crowned our queen! We are pleased to welcome Zozibini to the LFP Group family and to the country as a new ambassador for women and youth empowerment. The selection of Miss South Africa is no easy choice but amongst tough competition, Zozibini exudes leadership, focus and passion; we wish her all the best during her reign.”
The Miss South Africa 2019 judges were reigning Miss Universe Catriona Gray, former Miss Universe and Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, queen of SA talk and radio jock Anele Mdoda, actress and businesswoman Connie Ferguson and SA model, activist and lawyer Thando Hopa.
