Yvonne Chaka Chaka Becomes First African Woman to Receive World Economic Forum's Crystal Award

Yvonne chaka chaka performing at World economic forum in switzerland

South-african singer dubbed the princess of africa Yvonne chaka chaka has become the first woman to receive the world Economic forum's Crystal award.
Chaka who is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations' Roll Back Malaria Partnership, was presented the award during the opening ceremony of the forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday.

Arch Bishop Desmond tutu at the Annual World Economic forum

"For many years Yvonne has used her voice to draw attention to the causes that will change the lives of millions, from ending apartheid to improving maternal and child health," Hilde Schwab, co-founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs, who presented the award, said in a statement.

Yvonne chaka chaka hugs Desmond tutu at WEF

In a statement released on Yvonne chaka chaka's website, She said :

I am truly honoured to be the first African woman to receive this award, especially since South Africa's champion for freedom and justice, Nelson Mandela, graced these halls with his presence twenty years ago.

Growing up in South Africa during apartheid, I lived with inequality in all aspects of my life. My experiences as a child taught me that giving people their dignity is vital to building kinder, fairer societies which are not only possible but critical to creating a safe and secure world.

I have long believed that songs that promote understanding speak much louder than the bullet shots I heard growing up in Soweto.

In recent years, my fight against injustice has become global. Working as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership and MDG Envoy for Africa, I have seen that there is a global apartheid in accessing health services. Growing up in South Africa during apartheid, I lived with inequality in all aspects of my life. My experiences as a child taught me that giving people their dignity is vital to building kinder, fairer societies which are not only possible but critical to creating a safe and secure world. I have long believed that songs that promote understanding speak much louder than the bullet shots I heard growing up in Soweto.In recent years, my fight against injustice has become global. Working as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership and MDG Envoy for Africa, I have seen that there is a global apartheid in accessing health services.

President of South africa,jacob zuma has congratulated her on the award

President jacob zuma of south africa, chaka chaka and Min.of Finance

The World Economic forum Meeting takes place annually with businesspeople gathering to discuss the way forward in the sector .This year's event started on January 25 and will end tommorow january 29.It was attended by South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu and several world leaders.

The prestigious Crystal award was started in 1995 and is presented to distinguished artists who have used their respective talents to improve the state of the world. Previous winners of the award include Youssou N'Dour, actor Richard Gere, American record producer Quincy Jones, and Bono of U2.