Biography
Who is Zozibini Tunzi?
Early life and education
Zozibini Tunzi was born in the town of Tsolo, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. She grew up in a village called Sidwadweni. Her mother, Philiswa Nodapu, worked as a school principal, while her father, Lungisa Tunzi, held a position within the department of higher education. Zozibini is one of four sisters, alongside Yanga, Sibabalwe, and Ayakha. Her name is of Xhosa origin and translates to received with both hands.
For her higher education, she relocated to the Gardens suburb of Cape Town. She enrolled at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. In 2018, Zozibini completed her studies and earned a National Diploma in public relations management. Before her major pageant victories, she gained professional experience as a graduate intern in the public relations office for Ogilvy Cape Town.
Pageantry milestones
The modeling career for Zozibini Tunzi began in 2017 when she first entered the Miss South Africa competition as a semifinalist. She returned to the pageant circuit in 2019. During the final event held in Pretoria on August 9, 2019, she competed against several finalists before being crowned the winner by Tamaryn Green. Her prize package included a new vehicle and a furnished apartment in the Sandton area of Johannesburg.
Later that year, Zozibini traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to compete in the Miss Universe 2019 pageant. On December 8, 2019, she advanced through the final rounds at Tyler Perry Studios. She ultimately secured the title, becoming the first black woman to win the pageant since 2011 and the first to do so while wearing her natural afro-textured hair. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her reign lasted 525 days, making her the longest-reigning titleholder in the history of the competition. She passed the title to her successor, Andrea Meza, in May 2021.
Acting and fashion career
Beyond her pageantry work, Zozibini has expanded her professional portfolio into film and fashion retail. In 2022, she made her acting debut in The Woman King, a film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. This project marked her first major credit in the film industry.
In 2024, she collaborated with the South African retailer Foschini. This partnership involved the creation of a Spring/Summer collection titled A Season of Living. The line featured various summer items, including sunglasses and dresses, which were designed to show seasonal fashion trends.
Marriage and personal life
Zozibini Tunzi married Luthando Bolowana in early 2025. The couple held their wedding ceremony on March 22, 2025, in Paarl, which is located in the Western Cape. They followed this with a traditional wedding celebration on March 29, 2025, in the village of Sidwadweni in the Eastern Cape region. Following her marriage, she is also known by the name Zozibini Bolowana.
Birthday and age
Zozibini Tunzi was born on September 18, 1993, which makes Zozibini 33 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Zozibini shares the date with 30 other famous people.
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