Our very own stunner of a Miss SA, Zozibini Tunzi, will be strutting her stuff down the catwalk at New York Fashion week in the unique Xhosa designs that signify her heritage, topped off with her trademark natural hairstyle, and at the same time, she will set a host of new records!

Never before in the history of South African pageants has the title-holder risen so quickly to fame, Zozi started her Miss SA journey with a few hundred followers on Instagram. When she became one of the Top 16 finalists, her following rose to just over seven thousand.

Within two weeks of being crowned, that figure reached a whopping 172 000 and continues to grow every day.
Zozi’s fans are vocal, consistent and prolific in their adoration of her.

Said Stephanie Weil, Miss South Africa Organisation CEO: “We are delighted, and not a bit surprised, by the meteoric rise in popularity of Zozibini. She has it all; natural beauty, grace, charm. She is a role model for young women – and especially young black women. Her choice to embrace her naturalness tells women they do not need adornment to be beautiful; that they are beautiful as they are. She invites them to embrace that.”

Her fresh, natural look – Zozi does not wear a wig or a weave, favouring her own hair worn short – will be the main focus of the feature that Essence will write. Zozi said: “I did not realize, when I decided to go with my own hair for the Miss South Africa competition, that it would have such far-reaching implications and consequences.

Zozi will take Africa with her to New York Fashion Week, modelling, among others, pieces from the iconic collection of Belgian-born Mozambican designer, Eliana Morargy.

The collection “Basking in the Osun River” pays homage to West Africa’s Yorùbá women, long thought to have cosmic powers. She will be dressed in a unique Mpondoland inspired gown, designed by Laduma Ngxokolo, whose style concept is steeped in the traditions of the Eastern Cape, a province they both love and call home.
Apart from sharing a common heritage, the designer and the reigning beauty queen both love the colours and textures that form part of Xhosa tradition.

While she is in New York, Zozi will also spend time with South Africa’s famous export, comedian and host of the much-lauded Daily Show, Trevor Noah. She will also meet with IMG, the international modelling agency that is a part of the mother company that owns the Miss Universe.

We cannot wait to watch your incredible journey, Zozi!!