At a ceremony, the Unicef country representative in Zimbabwe, Peter Salama, said: “Mtukudzi has used his talent to bring out the plight of children. He has made embarked on musical activities that seek to improve the lives of children and young people.”

Salama said Tuku had demonstrated authentic commitment to communicating strong and clear messages about the importance of children and young people's rights, including their right to live free from HIV and Aids.

In accepting the honour Tuku said: “I would like to call upon all Zimbabweans to give me maximum support in order for me to achieve results for our children.”

The popular musician emphasized that there was need for Zimbabweans to work together to stop child abuse, child molestation, violence against children, to prevent HIV, to stop stigma and discrimination and to give a home to children living on the streets.

Gospel sensation, Shingisai Suluma, was appointed Unicef goodwill ambassador in 2009 and has been assisting to highlight the plight of abused children.