Miss Universe 2019 was held on 8th December 2019 at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Catriona Gray of the Philippines crowned her successor Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa at the end of the event. Zozibini’s win is marked in the history of Miss Universe as she was the second black woman crowned as Miss Universe, Leila Lopes being the first in 2011.
After her crowning, Zozibini Tunzi started to actively participate in her crown duties, and her purpose was to educate people about gender-based violence and various other social issues. The diva’s reign was interrupted by the global pandemic, but she did not let the pandemic stop her as she used technology to connect with everyone and keep doing what she desired to do, make a change.
The beauty queen is now preparing to crown her successor on 16th May 2021 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. The organization recently asked some questions to the beauty queen that was asked to her a year and a half ago.
Zozi was asked, ‘What it feel like to be Miss Universe’? In 2019, Zozi replied, "It’s kind of an indescribable feeling, especially since I am still sinking it in. It was such an incredible journey to be with all those girls. Gratitude is the word that comes to my mind. " Presently, Zozibini replied, "Being Miss Universe feels like a blessing. I was offered this launchpad to be able to use my voice and influence to speak about social issues that are close to my heart and just see what I can contribute to the world and to society along with elevating myself as well. Blessing is the word. "
Asking about what is her most liked picture on social media, Zozibini in 2019 shared that it was her portrait that she posted just after being crowned as Miss Universe 2019 and it still is the most liked picture of her on social media. Keeping the recognition that comes with winning a beauty pageant, she was asked how often she gets recognized in public. In 2019, Zozibini Tunzi stated that she does get recognized, but she believes it's because of her hair, and in 2021, Zozibini states that people recognizing her depends on where she is, such as when she is in New York, where a handsome of people would know who she is but in South Africa, people would know her even if she wears a mask.
The beauty queen has always been vocal about owning oneself and her speech about taking up space is still fresh in the minds of people. So, she was asked, ‘What advice would you give to yourself at the start of your reign?’ In 2019, Zozibini stated, "To not have any regrets about anything that I did in the previous year, just to be proud of it and just look back and cherish everything," and in 2021, Zozibini stated, "To be ready for anything as Miss Universe because you never know what will happen. You will have to learn to be adaptable to different situations because, who knows, maybe there will be like a global pandemic. "
Talking about women that inspire the beauty queen, she mentioned that she takes inspiration from so many women, her grandmother, and mother. She added that she strongly believes that if they weren’t there, she wouldn’t be here and her answer stayed the same even today. Something that she hoped to accomplish in her reign, Zozi mentioned that she doesn’t want her reign to feel like a waste. The beauty queen answered that she wants to feel like she did something before she crowns her successor and she still feels the same way. Zozibini is not only Miss Universe 2019 but also an inspiration for thousands of young girls who dream of achieving their goals in life.
The organization asked her about what is the most impactful thing she has learned so far and in 2019, Zozi answered, "When hard work and luck meet, amazing things happen." Currently, the beauty queen feels that the same thing applies even today, but adds a fact that one should not standby when things are happening. She emphasized that our voices matter and it becomes louder when we speak together, so always try to be helpful whenever and however you can. The video ends with Zozibini advising herself to be a little less critical of herself and relax a little.
Zozibini Tunzi’s reign is the longest in Miss Universe history and the queen is proud of herself for the way she carried on with her duties and raised her voice whenever needed. She not only made her country proud, but all those girls proud who wish to be on the top and are working every single day to make it happen.