Sizwe Sibiya
Zozibini Tunzi and Shudufadzo Musida have changed what has long been perceived as beauty in the pageant world.
We have seen that representation matters with little girls cutting their hair like the two Queens soon after their respective victories.
They let us know we are good enough to be Miss Universe just the way we are.
They did such a good job, “more ladies than usual” have sent their entry videos for this year’s Miss South Africa with short hair or no hair at all.
And South Africans have come out to say – “you don’t have to be bald to enter Miss SA”.
Both Shudufadzo and Zozi obviously won for more than just their hairstyles but the contestants preferred that tried and tested type of confidence. Again – representation matters, who thought this day would come?
They earned plaudits across the global press because of their bravery, going against societal beauty standards and expectations.
Particular admiration was reserved for Zozibini, who holds the record as the longest reigning winner because of the Covid pandemic.
Whether the next Miss SA comes with short or long hair or even with a bald head – all South Africa knows is they have an impressive standard to maintain.
Meanwhile the pageant announced in May 2021 that they will for the first time in the pageant’s history have transgender women competing for the crown.
Image sosource: @zozitunzi & @mediagirl_za
