‘Failing the first mine, doesn't mean it’s not for you’ - Zozibini Tunzi

Relebogile Mabotja chats to former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi.

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

Zozi Tunzi is a spirited and driven person full of heart who has made her name known on the international stage.

In 2019 she won the title of Miss SA and Miss Universe, etching her name in history as one of only five black women to hold both titles simultaneously.

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Beyond just becoming Miss South Africa and Miss Universe, she has embarked on a mission to empower women and has collaborated with the UN's HeForShe Alliance.

As incredible as her achievements were, they did come without a fair share of setbacks.

The first time she tried out for Miss SA she did not make it to the final.

Timing is everything she says. She learnt that just because something does not work the first time, it does not mean it is not for you.

The first time around she was not ready to hold the title, she adds, and when she returned she knew she would do better.

“There is such a thing as failing forward.”

- Zozibini Tunzi, Former Miss Universe and Media Personality

During her academic journey she also had some difficulties and had to do an extra year after failing a module.

She also faced numerous rejections in TV auditions before getting her Miss SA and Miss Universe titles.

While this could be disappointing for anyone, without her setbacks she would never have learnt the value of being willing to reroute and understanding that a rejection is not the end of a journey.

“Going through the failures and seeing that there is another side of failure taught me a lot.”

- Zozibini Tunzi, Former Miss Universe and Media Personality

“It is heartbreaking when you do not give yourself the grace to fail.”

- Zozibini Tunzi, Former Miss Universe and Media Personality

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.