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

After a night full of interviews on social and cultural issues—paired with swimsuits, and evening gowns, of course—Zozibini Tunzi, also known as Miss South Africa, was crowned Miss Universe 2019.

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.

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

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 labelled young girls and women.

"I think we are the most powerful beings on the world and that we should be given every opportunity," Tunzi said. "That is what we should be teaching these young girls to take up space. Nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself."

Apparently, Tunzi's powerful message resonated with Oprah, who took to Twitter to congratulate the winner.

"Agree with you...leadership is the most powerful thing we should be teaching young women today," Lady O tweeted, before she invited the new Miss Universe 2019 to visit her school in South Africa, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

For Tunzi, winning the Miss Universe 2019 competition was more than just a personal career highlight. After being crowned winner, she shared on Instagram that she was extraordinarily grateful for everything that receiving this award means.

"Tonight a door was opened and I could not be more grateful to have been the one to have walked through it." Tunzi wrote. "May every little girl who witnessed this moment forever believe in the power of her dreams and may they see their faces reflected in mine. I proudly state my name Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019!"

Tunzi hasn't responded to Oprah yet, but here's hoping these two will join forces sometime in 2020 to continue to inspire girls and women in South Africa—and beyond.

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