Zozibini Bolowana (née Tunzi) is a South African model, actress, and beauty queen who gained worldwide fame by winning Miss South Africa 2019 and Miss Universe 2019. She became the third South African and first Black South African woman to claim the Miss Universe title, drawing global praise for her natural short hair and bold advocacy on representation and gender-based violence. Since then, she has branched into acting, fashion partnerships, and prominent speaking roles.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Zozibini “Zozi” Bolowana (née Tunzi) |
| Date of birth | 18 September 1993 |
| Place of birth | Tsolo, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Province of origin | Eastern Cape Province, South Africa |
| Spouse | Luthando Bolowana (m. 2025) |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Model, actress, beauty pageant titleholder, public speaker/host |
| Net worth (est.) | 1.5–6 million USD, |
Early Life and Education
Zozibini Tunzi was born on 18 September 1993 in Tsolo, Eastern Cape, and raised in the rural village of Sidwadweni nearby. She hails from a family of educators—her mother is a school principal and her father worked in higher education—and she is one of four sisters named Yanga, Sibabalwe, and Ayakha. Her Xhosa name “Zozibini” means “received with both hands.”
After high school, she relocated to Cape Town to pursue public relations at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), earning a National Diploma in Public Relations Management in 2018. She later advanced to a B-Tech in PR Management while interning in public relations at Ogilvy Cape Town and modeling in East London.
Career
Pageantry and Miss Universe
Tunzi first competed in Miss South Africa in 2017, reaching the top 26, before winning the national title in 2019 with prizes exceeding 3 million rand, including cash, a luxury apartment, and a car. On 8 December 2019, she was crowned Miss Universe 2019 in Atlanta, marking her as the first Black South African winner; her natural Afro and views on beauty standards captivated audiences.
Her reign, extended by the Covid-19 pandemic to about 17 months, included a New York City apartment, over 100,000 USD salary, global travel, sponsorships, and use of a 5-million-USD crown.
Advocacy and Public Speaking
During and after her reign, Tunzi championed representation for dark-skinned women, natural hair, and ending gender-based violence, inspiring girls through speeches and media appearances worldwide. She continues as a host and keynote speaker on leadership, confidence, and social issues.
Acting and Media Work
She debuted in acting with the 2022 film The Woman King, playing Efe alongside Viola Davis in a story of African women warriors. Tunzi also hosts events, appears on TV specials, and engages in digital media and interviews.
Brand Partnerships and Fashion
Post-pageant, she secured endorsements and launched a 2024 Spring/Summer collection “A Season of Living” with South African retailer Foschini, featuring dresses, sunglasses, and more that echo her style.
Personal Life
Raised in a tight-knit rural family, Tunzi credits her educator parents for instilling strong values and resilience. She married Luthando Bolowana in 2025, with a civil ceremony in Paarl on 22 March and a traditional one in Sidwadweni on 29 March, adopting his surname. As of early 2026, the couple has no reported children.
Net Worth
Estimates place Zozibini Tunzi’s net worth between 1.5–6 million USD by the mid-2020s, drawn from pageant rewards, Miss Universe salary and perks, endorsements, speaking fees, and acting.
Filmography
- The Woman King (2022) – Efe
- Numerous TV specials, talk shows, and segments as herself, including a 2023 SABC News profile on her life and career.
Awards and Recognition
- Miss South Africa 2019
- Miss Universe 2019
She is widely regarded as a cultural icon, featured in lists of influential African women, and invited to global events on women’s rights, representation, and empowerment.
