2011 Address by South African Singer & Humanitarian Ms. Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Also present at the IFGH International Conference, and speaking at the Father Michael Kelly HIV/AIDS Event was the renowned South African Singer, often dubbed ‘The Princess of Africa’, Ms. Yvonne Chaka Chaka.

Ms. Chaka Chaka is a long-standing humanitarian, and is a UNICEF and Roll Back Malaria Goodwill Ambassador, and UN Envoy for Africa. She spoke of the great opportunity that exists to help Africa through investing in the continent’s people above all.

I am constantly saying to my African leaders, “you need to invest in your people: the most important people are those who cannot speak for themselves, are those who get affected, and sometimes it’s not their own fault.” But we need political will. We need our governments to invest in their own people before other people can invest as well. Because if they do that, the money that comes from donors is just the icing on the cake.

Before showcasing her wonderful singing ability, Ms. Chaka Chaka issued her rallying call to motivate others to work towards helping better the lives of those most in need:

Let’s leave a legacy – let’s help those who don’t have. Because if we don’t do it today, we’re going to be judged by the next generation… Let’s do it for the sake of our children.

You can listen to Ms. Chaka Chaka’s uplifting and inspirational address and songs by clicking the ‘play’ button on the left-hand side of the audio bar below.

Irish-Zambian HIV/AIDS activist, educator and advocate. This site archives Fr. Michael's inspirational World AIDS Day Lectures and related materials.