Quick Facts
Biography
Margaret Gardiner (born 21 August 1959) is a South African journalist and beauty queen who the winner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in 1978. She is the first African woman to win the Miss Universe title. She was 18 years old when she won the pageant. After the 3 semi-final competitions, she entered the 5 finalists in 4th place, but ended up winning the pageant after answering the final question.
During the event held in Acapulco, she received her crown from Janelle Commissiong, the first black titleholder of the pageant.
She holds a BA in Psychology from the College of Charleston and the author of two books on health and beauty and attended St. George’s Cathedral where Bishop Tutu preached. She is a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association that votes on and hosts the Golden Globes. She is now working as a print and television journalist in Los Angeles. She is married to Andre Nel, a professor at UCLA.