Miss South Africa crowned 2019 Miss Universe

Miss South Africa has been crowned Miss Universe on Sunday in Atlanta after an extravagant ceremony filled with glitter and heartfelt speeches about female empowerment made by contestants of the beauty pageant.

26-years-old South African beauty Zozibini Tunzi, finished first ahead of the Puerto Rican and Mexican finalists.

American comic turned TV personality Steve Harvey hosted the flashy televised event.

Television personalities Vanessa Lachey and Olivia Culpo served as backstage commentators, and a panel of seven women determined the winner.

This year a new segment has been introduced, in which Tunzi earned cheers during her closing speech, she talked about wanting to empower young women to feel confident.

“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.

“I think that it is time that that stops today,” she said to thunderous applause.

In the 68th installment of Miss Universe Tunzi beat more than 90 contestants from around the globe which was held in Atlanta’s Tyler Perry Studios.

Miss Thailand Paweensuda Saetan-Drouin and Miss Philippines Gazini Ganados, did not make it to the final 10, who have been favorites ahead of the competition,

Tunzi was presented the crown by The Philippines’ Catriona Gray, who took home the Miss Universe crown in 2018.