Zozi honoured with mural in her hometown

Tsolo - Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi, was deeply moved as she watched the unveiling of a mural done in her honour by young Eastern Cape artists. 

The artwork was painted on a library wall in the reigning queen’s home town of Tsolo and depicts Zozi in full traditional dress surrounded by young people.

The mural includes Zozi's inspiring and now-famous words said on the Miss Universe pageant stage in December in Atlanta, Georgia; "Take up space in society."

The reigning international queen is on a homecoming tour of South Africa, travelling around the country to meet her supporters. 

After arriving in Johannesburg at the weekend, she immediately flew home to the place of her birth in the Eastern Cape, where she was welcomed by friends and family, and honoured by two siblings and their friend who conceived and painted the mural. 

Artist Hlazo Lwando and his sister Azola Ntlantsana dreamed up the idea of immortalising Zozibini in the area where she grew up. They were joined in the project by artist Aphethuxolo Sibariboyi. 

(AN HONOUR: Zozi signs her name on the mural. Photo: Yolanda van der Stoep)

At the unveiling, Zozi thanked the team, pointing to their depiction of her saying: "They got me. That painting is beautiful and I love that they put me in traditional garb – a brightly coloured Xhosa bead necklace and a beaded headscarf. It’s relatable to everyone who lives here and I can carry this image with me wherever I am in the world."

Compiled by Herman Eloff. (Sources: Supplied/Miss South Africa/Miss Universe)