Chaka Chaka on a crusade
MALARIA is treatable and curable, yet it kills faster than HIV-Aids, United Nations Roll Back Malaria goodwill ambassador Yvonne Chaka Chaka says
WINNING SMILE: Songstress Yvonne Chaka Chaka with her Crystal Award. PHOTO: Tsheko Kabasia
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Chaka Chaka had just landed in Johannesburg from Switzerland - where she received the World Economic Forum (WEF) Crystal Award for humanitarian services, especially in the area of Malaria community awareness, education, treatment and prevention campaigns though tearful and still managed a jovial front when she addressed journalists.
Previous winners of the award include actor Richard Gere, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, producer, composer and musician Quincy Jones, Bono of U2 and singer Youssou N'Dour.
"I am very grateful for the award," she said.
"It means someone has been watching while I travelled for eight years, educating the people and the WEF, though tackling a lot of other social issues - including child trafficking, education and health.
"When I started on this journey, I was amazed by the fact that Malaria was treatable and curable, and yet it kills faster than HIV-Aids. That means there is still a lot of work to be done," she said.
"Men, children and women are dying of treatable and preventable diseases ."
After receiving the award more than a week ago Chaka Chaka went on a goodwill crusade to seek global anti-malaria support from like-minded individuals and groups in Geneva, Switzerland, Paris in France, Dublin in Ireland and London.
Before flying to Davos Chaka Chaka spoke to Sowetan about the award.
"I feel honoured to be recognised for contributions to fighting malaria," she said.
"I know many world stars have been recipients of this honour. I am happy that I am the first African woman to win it."
Born in Dobsonville, Soweto, Chaka Chaka has released 22 albums during her music career.
The well-travelled musician said when she returned she would release her 23rd album.
Recently she collaborated with fellow Roll Back Malaria goodwill ambassador N'Dour.
They recorded and released a single called Proud to Be for Interpol, aimed at rasing awareness about the dangers of fake medicines.
The legendary songbird has also released a documentary film, A Motherland Tour - A Journey of African Women.
She became involved in the malaria campaign after one of her back-up singers, Phumzile Ntuli, died of malaria in 2004.
Chaka Chaka is also United Nations Children's Fund goodwill ambassador for malaria in Africa, United Nations Millennium Development Goals envoy for Africa and was the first ambassador for former president Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund.
DjEp
This is good is a role model, leading on the frontline, focused and putting others first. i dont think Mama you will die poor, despite that ur married to his royal highness Chief and Dr. Mhinga but you are a role model to many me included. keep flying our Flag high although ur just one and only one the rest (Government officials) are still your money when you're overseesReport Abuse
roro01
well done Mama Chaka Chaka you are a real Role Model for us...keep up the good workReport Abuse
somaartakeit
the one un goodwill ambassador who is really doing something significant to contribute to human race, Yvonne I am so proud to be your fellow compatriot, you making this country shine girl!!!Report Abuse
Nincompoop
WE WANT TO KNOW THE WHAT THE PRICE MONEY IS WITH EVERY AWARD SOWETAN .... DON'T BEHAVE LIKE THE PSL, SO SECRETIVE ABOUT THE PLAYERS SALARY.Report Abuse
sekelekete
ooh im proud of u . proudly limpopian from botlokwa,ngwana wa machakaReport Abuse
