Zozibini Tunzi Welcomed In Parliament At SONA2020: 'She Is A Reminder Of Our Potential'

Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi was among President Cyril Ramaphosa's guests at the 2020 State of the Nation Address on Thursday.

On Saturday, Zozibini was welcomed at OR Tambo by dignitaries and members of the public, before embarking on her week-long homecoming tour.

This is the 26-year-old's first time back on home soil since being crowned Miss Universe 2019 in December, and earlier today she made her way through Johannesburg on an open double-decker bus.

However, Zozibini did not walk the red carpet alongside the other 2 000 guests but instead, entered parliament through a private entrance with the president.

The 26-year-old, who wore a yellow gown designed by Gert-Johan Coetzee, received a personal welcome from the president, who called her achievement "a reminder of our potential."

Zozibini was photographed seated in the presidential gallery by News24's parliamentary reporter Jan Gerber.

"It seemed that she was on the phone with communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abraham's. They were waving at each other while both were on the phone," he tweeted.

Zozibini was joined by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Sinoyolo Qumba, a Grade 11 learner from Lenasia South, who was invited by the president to help edit his 2020 State of the Nation Address.