Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi has offered words of encouragement to contestants at the Miss Universe Vietnam 2024 pageant. Picture: Ksima.agency/Instagram
Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi who made history in 2019 by becoming the first black South African woman to win the title, has urged Miss Universe Vietnam to be her authentic self ahead of the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.
The beauty queen delivered the powerful words of encouragement to contestants and the eventual winner Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen from Nam Dinh, who was crowned Miss Universe Vietnam 2024 at the event held at the Ho Chi Minh City.
She will now represent her country at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant which is taking place in Mexico City in November.
The first and second runners-up were Nguyen Quynh Anh from Hanoi and Vu Thuy Quynh from Dien Bien.
Tunzi had been invited to serve as a judge by Valentin Tran, the president of Miss Universe Vietnam, and to share her insights of the pageants.
During the event, when asked about her thoughts on the contestants and what it would take for them to shine on the Miss Universe stage, Tunzi reflected on her first impressions.
“I met the girls last night. I came in very, very late. We went to bed at about 2am, and I think they're all incredible.
“They have a great chance of doing well at Miss Universe, and I am wishing you the best of luck,” said Tunzi.
She expressed confidence in the winner's ability to represent Vietnam.
Tunzi also highlighted the importance of being genuine.
“The most important thing to carry through to a Miss Universe competition is authenticity from yourself and from your country because you can be many things, but people cannot be who you are.
“If you're authentically yourself, no one can replicate that, and so stick to being who you are."
Zozibini Tunzi takes her seat as a judge at the Miss Universe Vietnam 🇻🇳 grand finale. pic.twitter.com/OxVqhrIklY
— Letwin Mandishona (@Miss_Letwin) September 14, 2024
She also encouraged the contestants to embrace their intelligence and inner beauty: “Be beautiful on the inside out. Be smart if you're a smart woman, and let the world hear you."
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