From a New York apartment to snowfall and her Miss Universe TV debut: Newly crowned Zozibini Tunzi's week of firsts

Cape Town - 26-year-old Zozibini Tunzi from the Eastern Cape experienced a whirlwind first week as Miss Universe, after being named the winner of the prestigious title on Sunday.

Shortly after being bestowed with "The Power of Unity" crown (worth R73 million!) by the previous year's winner Catriona Gray in Atlanta, Georgia, the public relations graduate arrived in New York - where she will stay for the duration of her reign. 

Her first official duty has Miss Universe - in a series of many - was signing her first official autograph, which happened to be for Miss Universe host Steve Harvey.

TV DEBUT

Early Monday morning, she had had her first official TV interview as Miss Universe on popular US show Good Morning America. Speaking about the experience, she said: "Everything is still sinking in". 

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION 

Zozi, who touched on the importance of teaching young females leadership skills during the question and answer portion of the competition, received high praise from international celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis and Gabrielle Union. 

CITY LIVING

On Tuesday, Zozibini shared a short video on her Instagram Stories of Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst welcoming her into the apartment which they will be sharing. The apartment, which she shares with Miss USA, forms part of the Miss Universe prize package, which also includes a year-long salary.

After making her first TV appearance as Miss Universe on Good Morning America, Zozi, as she is affectionately called, visited the Empire State Building.

Sharing a video clip from the well-known landmark on Instagram, Zozibini can be heard saying: "Look at me, living my best rom-com life. I am here at the top of the Empire State Building. I've never been here before. Always seen it in the movies and can I tell you it looks just as amazing as it does [in the movies]. I'm so so excited to be here."

The Empire State Building has played a backdrop to popular movies including Sleepless in Seattle, King Kong and An Affair to Remember. 

LET IT SNOW

Aside from visiting the Empire State Building, Zozi also experienced her first snowfall, sharing her excitement in a clip on Instagram. 

"I've never been in snow before. It's so cold, but it's so pretty," the 26-year-old is heard saying in the video. 

Other highlights include appearing on Live with Kelly and Ryan as well as several other media appearances and photo shoots. 

Details of Zozibini's homecoming tour are yet to be announced.