"Our Forever Miss Universe": Zozibini Tunzi Gracefully Hands Over the Crown

Monday, May 17, 2021 at 1:29 PM by Naomi Kobbie

- Former Miss SA Zozibini Tunzi has stepped down as reigning Miss Universe after crowing her successor, Andrea Meza

- The beauty queen looked the picture of African royalty in her beaded black and white gown

- Zozibini says she's very proud of how far the nation has come and thanked the men and women who made her reign possible

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Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi will be remembered most for her grace and ability to represent the African continent with so much flare. The Xhosa beauty crowned her successor, Andrea Meza of Mexico, just last night, 16 May.

Although Zozibini parted ways with her much-deserved title, she looked every bit of an African queen dressed in a Ndebele-inspired fitted black and white number. The beaded gown was designed by local designer Biji – La Maison de Couture.

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"All sorts of emotional": Zozi Tunzi about last day as Miss Universe

‘Our Forever Miss Universe’: Zozibini Tunzi Gracefully Hands Over Crown — Zozi Tunzi inspired millions of African woman after being crowned Miss Universe in 2019. Images: Getty
Source: Getty Images

Mzansi got a behind-the-scenes look of the stunning gown on the designer's Instagram page. Opting not to wear the Miss Universe crown on her final night as queen, Zozibini waits anxiously backstage in the clip, adorned in a traditional Xhosa head-wrap.

The designer lovingly captioned the post:

"We couldn’t be prouder than this! @zozitunzi you will be our forever Miss Universe Xhosa Queen... Your compassion, purpose and message sends ripples of hope and inspiration to millions around the globe... you are gorgeous and we LOVE YOU."

Strutting down the runway during her final moments as queen, Tunzi spoke proudly of her country and the progress we've made. She also took the time to honour all the men and women who fought against racial injustices, making her reign as Miss Universe possible.

“We are now in a world where a black African girl from a country that is only 27 years into democracy can represent them on the global stage. I want to honour them for fighting for my freedoms so I could be where I am today.”

Read also

Miss Universe 2021: Mexico's Andrea Meza takes the crown

The Former Miss SA is the first black Miss Universe to come out of Mzansi and the longest-ever serving queen.

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Meanwhile, Briefly News previously reported that reigning Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi is serving some serious Aaliyah-realness in her latest Instagram snaps. The beauty queen headed online to remind Mzansi exactly why she's held so near and dear to our hearts.

In the iconic photos, Zozi appears to be enjoying a luxurious day out on the water. She's all decked out in a stunning baby-blue pants suit and strappy heels only a true goddess could pull off.

Zozi accessorised her stylish 90s-inspired outfit with some retro shades and big RnB-style hoop earrings. She definitely had us feeling like we were on the set of Aaliyahs iconic Rock The Boat music video.