Fans stand up for Zozibini Tunzi-Bolowana after podcaster’s remarks
South Africans were quick to defend former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi-Bolowana after controversial podcaster Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi made disparaging comments about her hair.
Baloyi, known for his provocative takes, targeted a video from Tunzi-Bolowana’s Miss Universe days. In his remarks, he suggested she was copying fellow celebrity Nandi Madida, criticized her for wearing weaves, and made offensive comments about her appearance.
“Wannabe Nandi, she got married in a weave though, so she could look like the rest of the w****s,” he said.
Social media reacts
The comments did not sit well with fans, who quickly flooded Baloyi’s social media pages. Many called out the podcaster for his tone and double standards.
“Nota, this is out of order. Don’t talk down on women like that,” one user wrote.
“What’s wrong with getting married wearing a weave? You go to podcasts wearing shots as if you’re just chilling in your house, but nobody complains,” another added.
“This is the energy you should’ve used on Phori, btw,” said a third.
The backlash highlighted a growing awareness in South Africa around respect, personal choices, and celebrating women’s empowerment.
The story behind the crown
Zozibini Tunzi-Bolowana became a national icon in 2019 when she won Miss South Africa, proudly rocking her natural hair. Her confidence and willingness to challenge beauty norms resonated with many young South Africans, particularly women and girls who had long faced societal pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.
She carried this authenticity onto the global stage at Miss Universe, where she also claimed the crown, leaving a lasting mark on the pageant world and inspiring a new generation of beauty queens to embrace their natural hair.
Evolution of style
Like anyone, Tunzi-Bolowana has experimented with her look over the years. After her reign, she occasionally tried weaves, braids, and other hairstyles — each time showing that style can be flexible without undermining confidence or identity. Her choices sparked discussion not just about beauty standards but also about personal expression and growth.
A wider cultural impact
Since Tunzi-Bolowana’s rise, there’s been a notable shift in South African beauty pageants. Contestants confidently wear natural hairstyles — from afros to cropped cuts — and many have reached the Top 10 or even won crowns. Her legacy continues to challenge outdated notions of beauty and encourage self-expression in spaces that were once rigid.
South Africans’ defense of Tunzi-Bolowana is more than just fan loyalty; it reflects a cultural movement that values authenticity, celebrates individuality, and refuses to police women’s choices.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
