Zozibini Tunzi's net worth: how rich is the former Miss Universe?
Zozibini Tunzi's net worth in 2025 is estimated between $1.5 million and $6 million. She has landed lucrative deals since being crowned Miss SA 2019 and Miss Universe 2019. Beyond financial success, Zozi has redefined beauty standards with her powerful message of authenticity.
Source: Getty Images
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Key takeaways
- Zozi Tunzi earned her net worth of $1.5 million and $6 million from beauty pageants, lucrative endorsement deals in the beauty and fashion industries, and high-profile hosting engagements.
- Tunzi received a R1 million cash prize as the winner of Miss SA 2019 and a year-long salary of approximately $100,000 after being crowned Miss Universe 2019.
- The model's Miss Universe 2019 crown was valued at $5 million.
Zozibini Tunzi's profile summary
| Full name | Zozibini Tunzi-Bolowana |
| Date of birth | September 18, 1993 |
| Age | 31 years old (as of September 2025) |
| Place of birth | Tsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Heritage | Xhosa |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m/178 cm) |
| Husband | Luthando Bolowana (March 2025 to date) |
| Parents | Philiswa Nodapu, Lungisa Tunzi |
| Siblings | Yanga Tunzi, Ayakha Tunzi, Sibabalwe Tunzi |
| Education | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (B-Tech in PR Management) |
| Profession | Model, actress, executive producer, MC |
| Social media | InstagramFacebook |
Zozibini Tunzi's earnings from Miss South Africa
Tunzi received a prize package valued at over R3 million after being crowned Miss South Africa 2019. She was awarded R1 million in cash and a fully furnished R5 million apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Miss South Africa does not earn a salary, but the model received other prizes, including a new car, designer outfits, and lifestyle perks. She used part of the prize money to pay off her school fees. She was pursuing a B.Tech degree in PR Management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Source: Original
How much Zozibini Tunzi made from Miss Universe
Zozibini Tunzi's salary as Miss Universe 2019 was reportedly over $100,000 (approx. R1.7 million) for a year. She got a fully furnished luxury apartment in New York to use during her reign, which lasted 1 year, 5 months, and 8 days. Other Miss Universe prizes included:
- Professional representation by the Miss Universe Organisation
- Modelling portfolio created by top-tier fashion photographers
- Personal wardrobe styling by the official Miss Universe stylist
- Access to dental, skincare, and nutrition consultations
- Access to global travel for events, sponsor appearances, and charitable work
How much was Zozibini's crown worth?
Zozi's Miss Universe 2019 crown was estimated to be worth $5 million (approx. R84 million). The Mouawad Power of Unity Crown featured over 1,770 diamonds set in 18-karat gold. The centrepiece was a golden canary diamond weighing 62.83 carats, flanked by two smaller canary diamonds. Mouawad Jewellery crafted the crown.
Source: Getty Images
Zozibini Tunzi has bagged lucrative endorsement deals
The Miss Universe 2019 winner has secured several partnerships with major South African brands, especially in the beauty and fashion industries. Some of her endorsements have been with:
- Foschini: Tunzi partnered with South African fashion retailer Foschini for the Spring/Summer 2024 collection, A Season of Living.
- Dark and Lovely: In March 2024, Zozi became the brand ambassador for the haircare brand Dark and Lovely Pro-Collection in the Sub-Saharan Africa Region.
- Nivea South Africa: In 2025, she was named the new face of Nivea South Africa's "It's in the Name – I AM #1" campaign for the Nivea Luminous630 skincare product range.
- LUX SA: Became the face of the soap brand LUX in September 2021
- Samsung SA: Made her an ambassador in early 2020
Source: Getty Images
Zozi Tunzi's hosting and public speaking engagements
Tunzi is an international host and MC with multiple high-profile engagements. She hosted the Free State Fashion Week's Day Business & Fashion Festival in August 2025 and the Miss Universe Tanzania 2025 grand finale.
Zozi was a special guest host at Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and previously hosted the Miss South Africa TV series Crown Chasers. She has also presented the Daimler Truck Southern Africa Dealer of the Year Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA).
She uses her platform to advocate for gender equality and against GBV. She actively supports initiatives like UN Women's #HeForShe campaign. Zozi Tunzi has spoken at the Forbes Women Summit and the 'This Girl Wins' Annual Empowerment Summit.
Source: Instagram
Zozibini Tunzi's acting debut
Miss Universe 2019 had a major career shift in 2022 when she made her film debut in the historical action-adventure movie The Woman King. She portrayed Efe alongside Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, and John Boyega. Before The Woman King, Zozibini Tunzi had never stepped onto a film set and did not have formal acting training.
Inside Zozibini Tunzi's house and cars
After her Miss Universe reign, Zozi Tunzi found her dream home at @Sandton Apartments in the Acsiopolis precinct, which offers long-term luxury rentals. She moved into the penthouse apartment in March 2022.
Monthly rent for furnished apartments at @Sandton Apartments starts from R10,600 for a studio, R14,000 for a 1-bedroom, R15,000 for a 1.5-bedroom, R22,400 for a 2-bedroom, and R32,000 for a 3-bedroom. Cars driven by Zozi include a Mercedes-Benz C200 Cabriolet, which she won from Miss SA 2019.
Source: UGC
What is the profession of Zozibini's husband?
Zozibini Tunzi's husband, Luthando Bolowana, is an electrical engineering businessman with an honours degree in business administration. He keeps his life out of the spotlight.
Luthando and Zozi tied the knot on March 22, 2025, in a private ceremony at the Belair Pavilion in Paarl, Western Cape. They also had a traditional Xhosa wedding in Sidwadweni, Tsolo, Eastern Cape, on March 29, 2025.
Source: Instagram
Final word
Zozibini Tunzi's net worth today cements her as a global icon. Winning the prestigious Miss Universe title opened a lot of opportunities. Zozibini is now settled into her new role as a wife and continues to use her platform to empower women through her foundation.
READ MORE: Bonang Matheba's net worth today: Her career, endorsements, assets
Briefly.co.za published an article about the net worth of South African media personality Bonang Matheba. She hosted The Front Row Show on Metro FM and had the reality show Being Bonang.
Bonang is also a savvy entrepreneur known for her luxury beverage brand, The House of BNG. She was named one of Forbes' 50 Most Powerful Women in Africa in 2020, and she is the first international ambassador for Revlon outside of the US.
Source: Briefly News
