Zozibini Tunzi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zozibini Tunzi
Tunzi in 2020
Born	(1993-09-18) 18 September 1993 (age 31) Tsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Alma mater	Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Title	Miss South Africa 2019 Miss Universe 2019
Spouse(s)	Luthando Bolowana ​ (m. 2025)​
Beauty pageant titleholder
Hair color	Black
Eye color	Brown
Major competition(s)	Miss South Africa 2017 (top 26) Miss South Africa 2019 (winner) Miss Universe 2019 (winner)

Zozibini "Zozi" Bolowana (born Tunzi on 18 September 1993) is a talented South African model and actress. She is famous for winning the Miss Universe 2019 competition. Before that, she was crowned Miss South Africa 2019. Zozi made history as the third woman from South Africa and the first black South African woman to win the Miss Universe title.

Early Life and Education

Zozi Tunzi was born in Tsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She grew up in a village called Sidwadweni. Her mother was a school principal, and her father worked in education. Zozi has three sisters: Yanga, Sibabalwe, and Ayakha. Her name, Zozibini, comes from the Xhosa language. It means "received with both hands."

Later, Zozi moved to Cape Town to study at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. In 2018, she earned a diploma in public relations management. Before winning Miss South Africa, she was working on a higher degree in public relations. She also worked as an intern at a company called Ogilvy Cape Town.

Journey to Pageantry

Miss South Africa 2019

Tunzi meeting with important people in Jakarta.

Zozi first tried pageantry in 2017. She was one of the top 26 semifinalists for Miss South Africa 2017. She decided to compete again in Miss South Africa 2019.

In June 2019, Zozi was chosen as one of the top 35 semifinalists. After more tryouts, she became one of the sixteen finalists in July. The Miss South Africa 2019 pageant took place in Pretoria on 9 August. Zozi did very well, moving from the top ten to the top five, and then to the top two. She was crowned the winner, beating Sasha-Lee Olivier.

As Miss South Africa, Zozi received many prizes. These included money, a new car, and a fancy apartment in Johannesburg. This win allowed her to represent South Africa at the Miss Universe 2019 competition.

Miss Universe 2019

Tunzi crowning Ayu Maulida as Puteri Indonesia 2020.

Zozi traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, in November 2019 for Miss Universe 2019. She competed in the final event on 8 December. Zozi made it to the top twenty, then the top ten, and finally the top three. She was crowned Miss Universe 2019, becoming the winner. She was chosen over Madison Anderson from Puerto Rico and Sofía Aragón from Mexico.

Zozi's win was South Africa's third Miss Universe title. She was the first black woman to win Miss Universe since 2011. She was also the first to win with her natural afro-textured hair. In 2019, it was a special year because black women won all four major US-based pageants. Black women also won the two biggest international pageants that year.

As Miss Universe, Zozi lived in New York City. She traveled to many places around the world. Her reign as Miss Universe lasted for 525 days. This made her the longest-reigning Miss Universe titleholder ever. Her time as Miss Universe ended on 16 May 2021. She crowned Andrea Meza of Mexico as the new Miss Universe.

Personal Life

Zozi Tunzi married Luthando Bolowana on 22 March 2025 in Paarl, Western Cape. Their traditional wedding celebration was held on 29 March 2025 in Sidwadweni, Eastern Cape.

Post Miss Universe Career

Zozi made her acting debut in the movie The Woman King. This film was released on 16 September 2022. In 2024, she worked with a South African clothing company called Foschini. She helped create a fashion collection for their Spring/Summer line. Her collection was called ‘A Season of Living’.

Filmography

Achievements

National Film and Television Awards

See also

In Spanish: Zozibini Tunzi para niños