Photo of Unathi Balele

Zozi Tunzi celebrates 3rd Miss Universe crowniversary

It has been three years since Zozibini Zozi Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe. 

The Queen made history in December 2019 as she became the first black woman from South Africa to take home the title of Miss Universe. 

Zozi took to her Instagram story to reflect on the day of her 3rd crowniversary.

“Grateful for this precious life, my life. And to you all, thank you for always pouring light and love into it,” she said.

Picture: Instagram

Speaking to City Press, Zozi reflects on her journey as one that was filled with ups and downs but worth it as a lot more women came after her. 

“I feel so proud because when you do Miss SA and Miss Universe and you win, the intention of it all is to have a lot more other women come after you. It has been a beautiful journey of ups and downs,” she told the publication.

The Eastern Cape born queen was the longest reigning queen, according to News24 Zozi held the title for over 467 days.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Miss South Africa (@official_misssa)

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 was also the first Miss Universe to wear the brand-new “Power of Unity” crown which was said to be worth R73 million.

Supporters of the beauty queen still get goosebumps when watching the Miss Universe crowning video of Zozi, as she made history on the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta Georgia in 2019.

Three years later fans are still beaming with pride, taking to twitter, this is what they had to say in celebration of Zozi’s third Miss Universe crowniversay:

“Proudest moment in South Africa can watch it over and over”

“Happy crownivessary Queen @zozitunzi. Your contribution to the development and growth of ypumg women is still to be discovered”

“Historic moment”

Also see: A glimpse of Miss SA’s national costume

 

Zoë Modiga finds beauty in life’s unexpected seasons with ‘When the Rain Comes’

South African multi-award-winning singer, songwriter and performer Zoë Modiga returns with a reflective new single, When the Rain Comes, exploring adversity, renewal and the lessons that come with navigating life’s changing seasons. Also see: Zoë Modiga gears up for her album launch The song offers a fresh perspective on life’s challenges, encouraging listeners to consider […]

Read more...

Shadrack Sibiya steps down from senior SAPS role

Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS), with his departure taking effect on Monday, 12 October 2026. Also see: Shadrack Sibiya’s SAPS disciplinary hearing scheduled for October SAPS has confirmed that Shadrack is no longer an employee of the Service after he resigned through his legal representative following the commencement […]

Read more...

AFCON set for return to traditional 2-year cycle

Months after stunning the football world by announcing a shift toward a quadrennial schedule, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reconsidering its roadmap. Also see: FIFA re-election: Patrice Motsepe reiterates Africa’s support for Gianni Infantino CAF President Patrice Motsepe has revealed that the organisation is actively studying a return to the traditional two-year cycle […]

Read more...