Highlights from Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzis homecoming tour

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Zozi-school

Reigning Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi has had a whirlwind week since touching down in South Africa, travelling cross-country and visiting special stops like her birthplace and primary school. While weve enjoyed every moment from the tour, here are our highlights:

The airport arrival

Local fans came out in droves to welcome Zozi as she landed in South Africa for the first time since winning the prestigious title in December. Zozi delighted the crowd by wearing her Miss Universe sash and crown, and she was welcomed with cheers, song and dance.

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Theres that ugly cry face. You did this South Africa #zozicomeshome

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The reunion with her family

Later on Saturday the 26-year-old had an emotional reunion with her family when she returned to her home town in the Eastern Cape. Zozi praised her maternal grandmother, Cynthia Lawukazi Nadophu from Dayimane village in Dutywa, for giving her her first book and instilling a love of reading in her. She also met Nelson Mandelas grandson Ndaba Mandela and visited the Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, where thousands turned out to meet her.

Mural unveiling

On Sunday Zozi visited a mural painted in her honour in her home town of Tsolo. The mural, which depicts Zozi in full traditional dress surrounded by young people, was done by local Eastern Cape artists. It is painted on a library wall and includes Zozis now-famous words she spoke on the Miss Universe pageant stage: Take up space in society.

At the unveiling, Zozi thanked the team, 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 head scarf. Its relatable to everyone who lives here and I can carry this image with me wherever I am in the world.

Visiting her primary school

On Monday Zozi headed to her former private school in the Eastern Cape, Canaan Academy in Dutywa. She was surprised by young men and women who had been her classmates in grades one and two, as well as headmistress Margaret Kyambadde, who was Zozis English teacher in the first years of her school life. Weeks of preparation by the school included a song composed especially for her and sung by the school choir, and the recital of a special poem.

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No one is surprised these kids love @zozitunzi! #ZoziComesHome

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Her bus tours

On Thursday Zozi took her tour back to Joburg for a special parade through the streets on an open-topped bus with reigning Miss South Africa Sasha-Lee Olivier, before heading to Cape Town on Friday for the same thing, but this time on a specially constructed float.

Her SONA appearance

Zozi attended the opening of Parliament and the State of the Nation Address as President Cyril Ramaphosas guest on Thursday night, where she wore a yellow gown designed by Gert-Johan Coetzee. She skipped the red carpet, but received a personal welcome from the president, who called her achievement a reminder of our potential. She was also joined by Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi.

Image: Supplied/ Yolanda van der Stoep

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