Staff at the Faculty of Health Sciences were starry eyed as the Princess of Africa and Afro-pop icon, Yvonne Chaka Chaka visited the faculty. Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a champion of women’s and children’s rights, and a supporter of universal literacy. She is a UNICEF Special Ambassador on Malaria for Eastern and Southern Africa. Two staff members who got their selfies with Ms Chaka Chaka shared their pictures and stories with Tukkievaria.

Calvin Mafela said, "I work in ITS for the Faculty of Health Sciences and I'm an audio visual technician. The day Yvonne Chaka Chaka came to campus, I just found out before the event that I needed to set up the hall and mic for her. I was so excited! I don't normally sit in on lectures for students, but I did with hers and I learned so much. She gave students financial advice and encouraged them (and me!) to save money for the future every month. She encouraged the students to keep studying and to not give up despite obstacles. I rushed after her after the event to get a picture with her and I've always been a fan of hers. She thanked me for setting up her Audio Visual requirements and called me her son. She's such a lovely person, so down to earth and humble and even said she's not a celebrity. I was so happy to have met this superstar and this picture has been my WhatsApp profile picture since then.”   

Elina Mohlala works as an Administrator in Faculty Operations in Facilities Management for the Faculty of Health Sciences. She's been a big fan of Yvonne Chaka Chaka since the 1980s. "I made sure I got there. My day was made meeting her. I loved her song, ‘Umqombothi’. I'm sad I didn't get to listen to her speech, but I pushed my way through the crowd to get a picture of her. She is such an inspiration. She's a big celebrity but she's so humble, and educated and an ambassador and does so much of good work for people. I never thought I'd ever get to meet a celebrity, let alone one that I'm such a fan of!"