Miss South Africa wins 2019 Miss Universe crown

Newly crowned Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa attending a press conference after the 2019 Miss Universe pageant at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. - AFP

Atlanta: Miss South Africa was crowned Miss Universe in Atlanta after a lavish ceremony filled with glitter and heartfelt speeches about female empowerment. She upsets the favourites from India, the Philippines and Thailand.

Zozibini Tunzi, 26, finished first ahead of the Puerto Rican and Mexican finalists in a flashy televised event, hosted by American comic turned TV personality Steve Harvey.