Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, the first black South African woman to win the title in 2019, has encouraged Miss Universe Vietnam to be true to herself before the contest in Mexico.
The beauty queen provided inspirational words of encouragement to hopefuls, including eventual winner Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen of Nam Dinh, who was named Miss Universe Vietnam 2024 at the event in Ho Chi Minh City.
She will represent her country at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, held in Mexico City in November.
The first and second runners-up were Nguyen Quynh Anh of Hanoi and Vu Thuy Quynh of Dien Bien.
Valentin Tran, president of Miss Universe Vietnam, welcomed Tunzi to serve as a judge and share her ideas on pageants.
During the occasion, Tunzi was questioned about her first impressions of the contestants and what it would take for them to excel on the Miss Universe stage.
“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.
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.”
