South Africans stepped out of offices and university classes on Wednesday to catch a glimpse of Zozibini Tunzi, on a homecoming tour after she was crowned Miss Universe in December.
Wearing short natural hair, a multi-coloured African print dress and a white Miss Universe sash, the 26-year-old toured the streets of the Johannesburg in an open topped bus.
She returned to South Africa at the weekend from the US after she finished first ahead of the Puerto Rican and Mexican finalists.
On arrival, Tunzi went straight to her home town in the Eastern Cape province where received a warm welcome complete with pomp and traditional Xhosa and Zulu dances at a stadium.
Tunzi made history to become the first Miss Universe wearing a short, natural haircut. She turned into an instant inspiration among blacks across the world.