Photos show the emotional moment Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi was crowned the winner of Miss Universe 2019

Miss Universe South Africa opening statement

Zozibini Tunzi was named Miss Universe 2019 at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday.
The 26-year-old hails from South Africa, and spends her time working as an activist.
Her biggest passions are ending gender-based violence, and promoting natural beauty amongst women.
Ninety women competed for the coveted title this year.
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Zozibini Tunzi took home the 2019 Miss Universe title at the annual beauty pageant on Sunday, held this year at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hailing from South Africa, the 26-year-old pageant winner is the first black woman from her country to wear the Miss Universe crown. She works as an activist, and is particularly passionate about fighting gender-based violence. Natural beauty is also important to Tunzi, who believes women should "love themselves the way they are," according to the Miss Universe website.

After being named the winner, Tunzi pressed her hands together against her head and grinned.

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She was then presented with the Miss Universe sash, which was placed over her sparkling, long-sleeved gown.

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Of course, the Miss Universe crown followed. Tunzi looked emotional as Catriona Gray — who previously served as Miss Philippines and Miss Universe 2018 — placed the crown upon her head.

miss universe tunzi

This year's crown is called the "Power of Unity," according to a video from Mouawad Jewelry.

It's made with 18-karat gold and 1,770 diamonds, including a golden centerpiece stone weighing 62.83 carats, according to Rappler. The floral design of the crown is meant to represent unity among women from all seven continents, while the crown as a whole was inspired by "nature, strength, beauty, femininity, and unity," according to Mouawad's video.

miss universe crown