SA varsity honours Yvonne Chaka Chaka

The South African university, which is based in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, honoured the singer for her continued compassionate role on the African continent.

“The degree of doctor of laws (LLD) (honoris causa) in recognition of your sustained, extensive and wide-ranging humanitarian work. This work includes your role as a champion of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria,” Rhodes University said.

The singer took to social media to express her gratitude about the tribute.

“Thanks to everyone, I hope my plea for our children to go back to university will be accepted. Let no one be left behind, education is the way to go,” she wrote.

The singer took the opportunity of the Johannesburg event to perform the song 'Amazing Man', which pays tribute to Nelson Madiba and other South African leaders.

Known for songs such as ‘I’m Burning Up’, ‘Thank You Mr DJ’ and ‘I Cry For Freedom’, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, whose real name is Yvonne Machaka, is credited for spearheading various humanitarian and health-care campaigns. She is also a UN envoy for Africa and goodwill ambassador for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.

Machaka serves as an ambassador for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 campaign, which raises global awareness about HIV/AIDS. She has also been an ambassador at the University of South Africa, City of Johannesburg Tourism and Mpumalanga Tourism.

She has taught literacy in South African townships, promoted the rights of women and works to protect children.

Besides her humanitarian roles, she is a board member of Information Technology Companies, Human Resource Development and Sandown Motors. She became the face of First National Bank in 2001 and in 2006 she founded her own charity called the Princess of Africa Foundation.