P.L.U.M Salute and honor our talented leaders in the diaspora for their stella contribution in Today’s society. Since education is the key to success and economical freedom, We pay tribute to those for excelling in the highest education possible. Today’s salute goes to:

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA

South African musician, Yvonne Chaka Chaka is making a difference!

The popular singer-songwriter and Goodwill Ambassador for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, has become the first African woman to receive the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Crystal Award, shown above.The award is given each year to successful artists who have used their art to “improve the state of the world”, according to the WEF. Chaka was honoured along with French filmmaker, screenwriter and producer Luc Besson, and Japanese-American classical violinist Midori Gotō, founder of the Midori Foundation.

Chaka received the award during the opening ceremony of the WEF’s 2012 annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from Hilde Schwab, co-founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs.

Schwab – the wife of WEF founder Klaus Schwab – commended the singer for her tireless work for major global health issues affecting women and children, in particular malaria control through medication and the use of bed nets.

 For many years I have used my voice to draw attention to the causes that will change the lives of millions – from ending apartheid to improving maternal and child health. I clearly understood her opportunities to do good and the access her powerful voice allows, through both song and conversation, to reach and influence those who can act.

Schwab said the WEF was honoured to name her as a Crystal Award laureate aka a very distinguished person.