Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Dobsonville, Soweto, 1965:
A child is born to Puti and Sophie Machaka, the Machakas had three girls: Doreen, Refiloe, and Yvonne Ntombizodwa Moloko Machaka .Today Yvonne is known as the Princess of Africa, performing artist, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, “Yvonne Chaka Chaka”
The Humanitarian:
Considered a role model throughout the African continent, she has demonstrated compassion for others throughout her career. Yvonne has taught literacy, promoted the rights of women, and never stopped to work to protect children everywhere.
As UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador against malaria, and also Ambassador for Roll-Back Malaria (sponsored by the World Bank, United Nations, World Health Organization, and other institutions), Yvonne tirelessly campaigns for medications and bed nets that will help to end malaria — a preventable and curable disease that kills 3,000 people in Africa every day.
Inspired by these statistics she created her own charity, the Princess of Africa Foundation. Yvonne says, “We want to raise awareness and take initiative to eradicate this needless disease. People need to know more about malaria because it kills almost one million Africans a year, most of them children.”
Yvonne has also served as Ambassador for the University of South Africa (UNISA); City of Johannesburg Tourism, and Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Campaign. Yvonne embraces the belief that every citizen should play a part in building community, so when she was asked to become an honorary Colonel in the South Africa Air Force, she didn’t hesitate. Her duties include team-building and attaining excellence in communication.
In 2001 Yvonne was named one of the Top 100 Heroes of South Africa by the Star Newspaper. Despite a travel schedule that keeps her on the road much of the time, Yvonne continues to make time to motivate, inspire, and educate everyone she meets. And she says “I am always ready to learn from others.”
Her continual efforts to raise donor monies from various African governments, the Global Fund, the World Bank, and the Gates Foundation ensure that those who need help the most will get it. Of the many awards and accolades she’s earned, Yvonne says that being the recipient of the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award, established in 1957, was a great honour. “This award of excellence is such a distinction. I realize that it is through the efforts of others, who walked this path before me, that I am able to follow in their footsteps to help others. It is a privilege to serve my communities and make the world a better place for all our children.
Her numerous accomplishments, and endurance in a demanding industry, can be attributed to an indomitable will and a childhood guided by the strength of her mother, Sophie Machaka. A domestic worker with only a Standard 6 education, Yvonne’s mother was a life-long teacher to all who knew her. She was Yvonne’s first mentor and gave her the gift of character. Yvonne says, “I know what it is like to sleep without food. I know what is like not to have. My mum taught me that when you die you will never take anything with you. So when I have, I share with others.”
Today, the voice of Yvonne Chaka Chaka has also become the voice for untold others who suffer injustice and disease. Her wisdom and insight, combined with common sense and good judgment, have become evident in the dignity, poise, and courage she radiates. It is said that the only way to have a friend is to be one, and the Princess of Africa lives this credo. She has embraced an array of people from every walk of life, and her friendships span the globe. The diversity, and quality, of Yvonne’s relationships are like her music — different notes blending together to create the perfect sound. This belief in the human family is at the core of her beliefs, “I would love for all people to be equal in the world and just to know that God loves us all.”
Those who are closest to Yvonne recognise that she exudes a wisdom that flows from the highest source. Yvonne is a dramatic example of the power of one. Passionate about changing her world, she works ceaselessly to build a better future for Africa. A non-drinker and non-smoker, Yvonne maintains strong spiritual connections.
Her philosophy is, “When we are born we come with nothing. And when we die, we die with nothing. God thank you for the life that you have given me.I love life, and I live it to the fullest.” “We are the instruments of Heaven. Our work is not design, but destiny.” African icon Yvonne Chaka Chaka is living her destiny, and those who understand her message are enriched by it.
Thank you for walking with me; it’s been A LONG WALK. I AM BECAUSE YOU ARE. THIS IS MY MOTHERLAND ..................THANK YOU.
The Princess of Africa Foundation
The Princess of African Foundation was established in 2006 to complement the work of Yvonne Chaka Chaka as UNICEF and Rollback Malaria Goodwill ambassadors in Africa. It is a non-profit organization registered under Section 21 of the Companies Act with main objectives being to carry out community and social charity works.
The Foundation carries out its main objective by working in partnership and collaboration with other organizations and individuals. The focus of the Foundation’s work is to combat malaria which is reported to be killing 3000 children a day on the African continent.
The Foundation’s purpose is to heighten awareness:
• On the dangers of malaria, preventative measures and treatment
• By carrying out projects on information, education and communication about malaria in malaria prevalent areas
• By carrying outs projects in high malaria prevalent areas with special focus on the most vulnerable – women and children
The Foundation has undertaken the following projects since its inception in 2006:
• 2008/9 – In partnership with the MTN Foundation and the Department of Health in Limpopo, launched the malaria residual spraying in villages located in the malaria prevalent areas in the north-eastern part of Limpopo Province
• 2009/10 – In partnership with the Department of Health in Limpopo and the African Women’s Development Fund trained 103 women Community Health Workers in the malaria prevalent villages in the north-eastern part of the Limpopo Province
• 2009/10 – Created the Motherland Tour – A Journey of African Women documentary to highlight the plight of women and children suffering from various diseases and the lack of health facilities and various forms of infrastructure to access treatment
• 2010 – In partnership with the Wits Medical School and Radio Today ran an information and educational programme to the general public on the malaria disease, preventative measures and treatment
For more information visit: http://www.yvonnechakachaka.co.za/foundation/about.php
