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Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019) Biography: Age, Career, Family and

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 21, 2026 • 3 min read

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Quick Info

Date of birth18 September 1993

Age26 Years (as in 2019)

BirthplaceTsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa

ProfessionModel

NationalitySouth African

Marital statusUnmarried

FamilyParents: Lungisa Tunzi and Philiswa Nadapu; three sisters

Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019) Biography

South African model Zozibini Tunzi rose from the Eastern Cape to international prominence after winning Miss South Africa 2019 and being crowned Miss Unive

Early life and background

Zozibini Tunzi was born on 18 September 1993 in Tsolo, a small town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Raised in a family that she credits as formative to her values, Tunzi has spoken of lessons learned from both parents: her mother for kindness and humility, and her father for the importance of education, discipline and hard work. She attended Butterworth High School in the Eastern Cape and later studied in Cape Town, earning degrees in public relations from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Career

Tunzi worked at Ogilvy Cape Town while completing her studies, combining practical industry experience with her academic training in public relations. She first entered the national pageant scene in 2017 when she became one of the 26 semi-finalists in the Miss South Africa competition. After not advancing to the top 12 that year, she returned to the contest in 2019 and progressed through the stages to become one of 16 finalists.

On 9 August 2019 Tunzi won the Miss South Africa title at an event held at the Sun Arena at Time Square in Pretoria. As Miss South Africa she received a cash prize, a car, and temporary use of a furnished apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg as part of the prize package. Her national title led to international representation at the Miss Universe pageant later that year.

At the Miss Universe competition held at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta on 8 December 2019, Tunzi represented South Africa and was crowned Miss Universe 2019. Her victory made her the third woman holding the Miss South Africa crown to win Miss Universe, following previous winners from 1978 and 2017. During the televised final she emphasized leadership as a key lesson to teach young girls, asserting the importance of giving women and girls the opportunity to take up space in society.

Tunzi has also appeared in fashion contexts beyond pageants. In 2019 she walked during New York Fashion Week for Maxhosa, the South African label by designer Laduma Ngxokolo.

Public profile

Tunzi is known for her advocacy on issues of gender equality. She has supported the HeForShe campaign, the United Nations initiative that seeks solidarity for advancing gender equality. Her Miss Universe win drew widespread international attention and congratulations from high-profile figures.

Personal details and public image

Tunzi’s public persona combines modeling and advocacy. Physically, she has been profiled at approximately 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches) tall, with black hair and black eyes. She lists hobbies such as hiking and cooking, and has mentioned favorite things including pizza and the television series Game of Thrones. She comes from a family with three sisters and names her parents as Lungisa Tunzi and Philiswa Nadapu.

Latest updates

Following her Miss Universe win, Tunzi’s platform and public engagements included international appearances and continued focus on women’s rights and leadership development. She has used her visibility to promote messages about empowerment and opportunity for young women.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019), send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded

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Recent Work

Miss Universe 2019

Represented South Africa and won the Miss Universe title at Tyler Perry Studios, Atlanta, on 8 December 2019.

2019
Miss South Africa 2019

Won the national title on 9 August 2019 at Sun Arena at Time Square, Pretoria.

2019
Maxhosa runway, New York Fashion Week

Walked for South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo during New York Fashion Week 2019.

2019
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Career Highlights

  1. Winner of Miss South Africa 2019
  2. Crowned Miss Universe 2019
  3. Advocate for gender equality and supporter of the HeForShe campaign
  4. Walked for Maxhosa at New York Fashion Week 2019
Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019) born?

Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019) was born on 18 September 1993.

What is Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019) known for?

Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019) is known for model.

What is Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019)’s marital status?

Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019)'s marital status is listed as Unmarried.