Yvonne Chaka Chaka Finally Gets Her Flowers at Unisa Calabash Awards

South African music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka has finally received the recognition she richly deserves, being honoured with the Outstanding Alumna Award at the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) Chancellor’s Calabash Awards in Pretoria. The awards celebrate South Africans who have made remarkable contributions to society, uplifting their communities and leaving lasting legacies.

Chaka Chaka, whose career spans decades, dedicated her award to the icons who paved the way in the South African music industry.

“I am truly humbled and grateful to receive this award. Sometimes you just go out and do your work, and recognition follows,” Chaka Chaka said. “I dedicate this honour to legends like Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, and PJ Powers, whose music and impact opened doors for all of us.”

The awards were presented by Unisa Chancellor and former President Thabo Mbeki, who commended the recipients for their commitment to public service and societal development. He also used the occasion to highlight South Africa’s urgent need for an inclusive National Dialogue to tackle the country’s multi-layered crises.

“I expressed about 18 months ago about the urgent need for our people to engage one another in an inclusive national dialogue, including politics, our economy, social sector, safety and security, international relations and so on,” Mbeki said. Mbeki later described the manner in which the dialogue was conducted as a "misnomer", emphasizing that superficial or fragmented discussions threaten both governance and social cohesion.

Chaka Chaka’s recognition celebrates not only her musical achievements but also her longstanding advocacy and philanthropic efforts. Over the years, she has championed health awareness campaigns, youth empowerment programs, and community development initiatives, solidifying her role as a cultural ambassador and social activist.

By linking her award to the National Dialogue, Mbeki underscored the importance of collective civic engagement in addressing South Africa’s pressing challenges. He encouraged citizens to move beyond criticism and actively participate in shaping the political, social, and economic future of the country.

For Chaka Chaka, receiving the Outstanding Alumna Award is a moment of validation, a public acknowledgement of her decades-long contribution to South African culture and society. It is a reminder of the power of talent, dedication, and service, and a celebration of the legends who inspired her journey.