DIVERSE group of people gathered at the Sandton Sun Hotel to see Yvonne Chaka Chaka's new documentary film on Africa.

Titled The Motherland Tour - The Story of African Women, the film takes one through Chaka Chaka's frequent forays into Africa, where she mingles with the poorest of the poor.

"We don't guess what the priorities of the various communities we go to are, but we get (information) from them and run with whatever suggestions they make with the hope that they will improve the situation in their communities," Chaka Chaka says.

The film takes viewers to some of the communities she has visited in Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and right here in our backyard.

The stories are as varied as their circumstances and solutions. I think what shine through the hour-long film is the empathy, connection and determination to help.

"We recently opened a clinic for a community that had to travel more than four hours to reach a clinic, and another four hours to go home. Many of the mothers lost their children through that long, lonely walk to finding help.

"It is sad watching these women and listening to their heart-rending stories. But, it is also fulfilling to know that in some little way you have touched the lives of people in a profound manner," the Princess of Africa says.

There is no doubt that Chaka Chaka is held in high esteem across the continent. The event attracted A-listers first lady Nompumelelo Ntuli, Professor Pitika Ka Ntuli, former first lady Zanele Mbeki and Lulu Xingwana, the Minister for Women, Children and Disabled people, who gave a provocative speech on the 16 Days of Activism On No Violence Against Women and Children.

UN Roll Back Malaria and other donors were out in full force to support her. They had come from the US, UK and Europe.

Professors from Wits, who help Chaka Chaka with her research, business people, her family and media and her band were all there to give her a pat on the back.