South Africa’s performance has always been exceedingly well in Miss Universe pageant with another win under its belt as Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa was crowned the third Miss Universe from the country. The country has proven its worth in the Miss Universe as these divas have given their best performances in the recent years with such grace and elegance that they have left everyone in awe of their uniqueness and beauty.
In the last three years, specially, South Africa has sent such delegates to compete in Miss Universe who have portrayed their culture and nationality with absolute grace and elegance, showcasing the outshining uniqueness of the country.
This hat-trick began in 2017 when Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa was crowned Miss Universe 2017. She defeated ninety-one other delegates to win the coveted Miss Universe 2017. A model, Nel-Peters began her pageantry career representing Western Cape in the Miss South Africa 2017 competition which she won. With her talent and her beauty, she mesmerized everyone as she brought home the second crown after a long haul.
During her final question and answer round, Demi was asked, "What quality in yourself are you most proud of and how will you apply that quality to your time as Miss Universe?" She answered so well with such grace and elegance. Her prudency was well shown and her confidence was marvelous. She said, “As Miss Universe you have to be confident in who you are as an individual. And Miss Universe is a woman that has overcome many fears and by that she is able to help other women to overcome their fears. She is a woman that nothing is ever too much to ask for and I think that is exactly who I am.” When asked about what she thought was the most important issue regarding women in the workplace, she said, “In some places, women get paid 75% of what men earn for doing the same job, working the same hours — and I do not believe that this is right. I think we should have equal work for equal pay for women all over the world.” She went on to win the competition and was crowned Miss Universe 2017 by outgoing titleholder Iris Mittenaere.
In 2018, Tamaryn Green Miss Universe South Africa 2018 represented her country in Miss Universe 2018 and with such sincerity and dedication that she ended up winning the first runner-up position at the coronation night, losing her crown merely to Catriona Gray of Philippines.
During her last round, Tamaryn was asked, “What is the most important lesson you’ve learned and how will you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?” to which she replied, “Throughout my life, I’ve been exposed to both those who are privileged and underprivileged and what I learned is we are all human. We all want to be loved, we all want to belong, and we all want to be seen so we should treat each other that way.” Her answer paved her way to the runner-up placement as well as becoming a household name in all over the world with her absolute enchanting beauty and marvelous journey.
Again in 2019, Zozibini Tunzi proved her worth in the competition by giving a stellar performance at the Miss Universe 2019 stage to win the third crown for her country. The 26-year-old beauty queen impressed everyone with her beauty and grace. Zozibini is the first black woman to be crowned Miss Universe since Leila Lopes won in 2010.
She definitely marked her win as she answered her questions with eloquence and intelligence. She was asked, “What is the important thing that we should teach the young girls today?” to which she answered, “We should be teaching the young girls today is leadership. It is something that has been lacking in girls and women for a long time because of what the society has labelled women to be. Women are the most powerful thing in the world and the young girls should be taught to take up on the leadership. Nothing is more important that taking up space in the society.”
With South Africa’s third win in Miss Universe 2019, it is a matter of great pride and honour for the South Africans who devote so much of their time to support these beauty queens. A lot of the credit also goes to the national organization, Miss South Africa Organization, who train their delegates limitlessly and tirelessly as they prepare them for their international stint. It is wonderful to see this African nation do outstandingly well at a coveted pageant such as Miss Universe.