Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe 2019 on Sunday in Atlanta. Miss South Africa won the crown after excelling through all the rounds - the swimsuits, the evening gown rounds. But what won hearts was her closing speech, a new segment in the competition.
"I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me -with my kind of skin and my kind of hair - was never considered to be beautiful," she said in her last response. "I think it is time that that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine."
The final announcement was made to thunderous applause and people waving the South African flag in the audience. The 26-year-old teared up as she was crowned Miss Universe.
Steve Harvey hosted the pageant for the fifth time sporting a bedazzled green and gold suit jacket.
This year's edition already made history with the inclusion of the first openly gay contestant, Swe Zin Htet from Myanmar