Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi jetting in to serve on Miss SA judging panel

Tunzi, South Africa’s reigning Miss Universe, is set to take a seat at the judges’ table when the final of the Miss South Africa 2020 pageant starts this weekend on Saturday 24 October.

Tunzi’s selection as a judge was announced by the Miss South Africa pageant organisers, which said the trailblazing beauty would be returning to the country this week ahead of the pageant finale when the judging and crowning the 2020 winner will take place.

And the Miss South Africa 2020 judges are…

The all-female judging line-up includes some of the country’s most respected and influential personalities with Tunzi being joined by Peggy-Sue Khumalo, Anele Mdoda and Leandie du Randt. According to the pageant organisers, a fifth judge is still to be revealed.

How to catch all the glitz and the glamour

The pageant will be held at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town from 17:00 on Saturday.

The event will be streamed online and subscriptions are currently on sale for R99.99 excluding VAT, and includes a pre-show and an opportunity to see what goes on backstage.

The pageant will also be screened live on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) and Mzansi Magic (Channel 161). 

See who are the beauties who will be vying for the Miss SA 2020 crown here.

Many happy returns for Tunzi

It is expected to be a happy return for Tunzi whose participation in the 2019 pageant saw her being crowned Miss South Africa. She then went on to be named as Miss Universe. 

“One woman’s life is about to change and I am a part of a panel that will make that happen. I am nervous but mostly humbled and excited by it.” she said.  

Tunzi, who has been vocal about gender-based violence (GBV) during her reign, celebrated her 27th birthday on Friday 18 September on home soil.

She was granted special permission due to the pandemic to return home from New York where she has been based.

Also read: Birthday queen: Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi celebrates on home soil

African Social Star nomination

The beauty queen has also been trending on social media for the past few weeks after informing her 2.7 million followers on Instagram that she has been nominated in the African Social Star of 2020 category for this year’s E! People’s Choice Awards.

Miss Universe was nominated alongside Pearl Modiadie, Thuso Mbedu, Sho Madjozi, Elsa Majimbo, Wian, Lydia Forson and Dimma Umeh.  

What Tunzi will be looking for in a winner

The 27-year-old shared some of the attributes she believes a successful pageant contestant should have.

“There are various aspects to look out for but I am mostly looking for someone with raw authenticity and sincerity about who they are, Tunzi revealed.

“I am not looking for perfection or moral purity, but someone who has a voice and an aura about her that makes almost everyone feel at ease when they come into contact with her. This is because she will be engaging with a lot of people in the year.”

Tunzi’s universal advice to contestants

“To this year’s winner, you are going to create the most beautiful memories and touch a lot of lives. Never take that lightly or for granted; it is a blessing,” Tunzi said

“There are some times when things will get really hard, and when that happens, I want you to remember why you started. It will get you through the craziest days.

“Most importantly, live in the moment and enjoy it fully because time passes by so quickly. Good luck, you are going to be incredible.” 

New host for Miss South Africa 2020

Actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha will host this year’s Miss SA pageant for the first time. She replaces TV personality Bonang Matheba who hosted the event for the past two consecutive years. She served on the pageant’s judging panel in 2014. 

Also read: South Africa’s top designers take centre stage at the Miss SA finals