Miss South Africa

Oprah Congratulates Miss Universe 2019—and Celebrates Her Message for Young Women

As her new fans took to social media to congratulate the winner and share videos, it was clear that Tunzi's answer to the final question in the competition is what struck a particular chord around the world—including with our very own Oprah.

In response to host Steve Harvey asking: "What is the most important thing we should be teaching young girls today?" Tunzi responded: "Leadership." She then received deafening applause from the live audience as she specifically called out how society has historically labeled young girls and women.

Miss Universe 2019: 'May every little girl see their faces reflected in mine'

"I think that it is time that that stops today."

That's the message from newly-crowned Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, who is from South Africa.

More than 90 women from across the world took part in the pageant which was held in Atlanta in the US on Sunday.

Zozibini beat Puerto Rico's Madison Anderson and Mexico's Sofia Aragon in the final three to take the tiara.

Finalists in the competition were asked a range of questions on topics such as climate change, protest and social media.