Kenny Rogers reminds us to make a difference, one Jim at a time

By Alec Hogg

On Youth Day, we took the ultimate contrarian approach. Along with 5 000 others (including former President Kgalema Motlanthe who was in the row behind us) we trekked to the Carnival City Big Top for the "Farewell SA" performance by 76 year old country music hero Kenny Rogers. It was a lesson in showmanship and humanity from a man whose record sales exceed 100 million worldwide.

Rogers hobbled onto the stage and moved slowly throughout, explaining it as the after-effects of a knee replacement. He struggled to hit some notes and mumbled through the words of a couple songs. But none of that mattered. The Kenny Rogers personality shone through. He chatted away between songs, sharing his life and experiences. And left one feeling we'd been with a mensch of the first order.

What really impressed, though, was how this global superstar picked out a fan's arms-folded husband in the front row. By the end of the show this initially reluctant attendee – Jim – was clearly smitten. A reminder of that little girl throwing one of a thousand beached starfish back into the sea. When asked why she bothered because her effort wasn't having an impact – she said it surely did make a difference for the one thrown back.

No matter how overwhelming the odds appear, each one of us is able to make a difference. One starfish, or Jim, at a time. Thanks for the reminder Kenny Rogers. Bon Voyage. South Africa will miss you.

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