Zozibini Tunzi from Tsolo (Eastern Cape), South Africa was crowned Miss Universe 2019 on Sunday, December 8 at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia (USA).

The 26-year-old graduate of public relations management degree received the new “Power of Unity” crown by Mouawad from last year’s winner, Catriona Gray.

Miss Puerto Rico, Madison Anderson, and Miss Mexico, Sofía Aragón were the first and second runners-up, respectively, while Colombia’s Gabriela Tafur and Thailand’s Paweensuda Drouin completed the Top 5 finalists.

The new Miss Universe, who is a passionate activist, engaged herself in the fight against gender-based violence and has devoted her social media campaign to change the narrative around gender stereotypes. She is also a proud advocate for natural beauty and encourages women to love themselves the way they are.

On its 68th edition, the competition was hosted by Steve Harvey in his fifth consecutive year, with former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and Miss Teen USA Vanessa Lachey as backstage correspondents.

This is South Africa’s third Miss Universe title after Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters’ recent victory in 2017. The country has first won in 1978 with Margaret Gardiner.

FINAL RESULTS

Miss Universe 2019: South Africa – Zozibini Tunzi

1st Runner-Up: Puerto Rico – Madison Anderson

2nd Runner-Up: Mexico – Sofía Aragón

Top 5

Colombia – Gabriela Tafur

Thailand – Paweensuda Drouin

Top 10

France – Maëva Coucke

Iceland – Birta Abiba Þórhallsdóttir

Indonesia – Frederika Alexis Cull

Peru – Kelin Rivera

United States – Cheslie Kryst

Top 20

Albania – Cindy Marina

Brazil – Júlia Horta

Croatia – Mia Rkman

Dominican Republic – Clauvid Dály

India – Vartika Singh

Nigeria – Olutosin Araromi

Philippines – Gazini Ganados

Portugal – Sylvie Silva

Venezuela – Thalía Olvino

Vietnam – Hoàng Thùy

Special Awards

Best in National Costume – Philippines

Miss Congeniality – Poland

Photos: Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images, EPA, Miss Universe Organization