Johnny Clegg wins SAJBD human rights award

JORDAN MOSHE

The vice-president of the SAJBD, Zev Krengel, presented the award instead to Clegg’s two sons, Jesse and Jaron, who were at the conference with their mother, Jenny.  

The audience was overwhelmed by nostalgia and emotion on Sunday as tribute was paid to the musical legend. The Jewish “white Zulu” was recognised for paving the way for democracy in South Africa through song.

“For me, as a young boy, Johnny Clegg was everything,” said an emotional Krengel. “For my first Bnei Akiva camp, I got his name crocheted onto my yarmie.

“For those of us who grew up in the ‘80s, Johnny was the inspiring light,” he said. “He was always an incredible energy, he had love and passion, and everyone around him loved him. He reminded me of the TV show Everybody Loves Raymond, but for us it was ‘Everybody loves Johnny’. 

“He never lost his energy or his amazing ability to do on stage what no other white man can do. He inspired the generations that lived through apartheid, black and white, and showed us what South Africa could and did become.”

The award recognised Clegg for his legendary achievements through music, bridging generational and cultural barriers, and bringing people of all backgrounds into a common commitment to a shared, democratic South Africa. It also recognised him for playing a unique role in furthering the cause of democracy and human rights in his adopted homeland.

Clegg’s sons thanked the SAJBD for recognising their father. “It has been a very challenging year for me and my family,” said Jesse. “On behalf of dad, we would like to thank the SAJBD for this incredible award.

“Beyond his music, my dad was someone who had deep compassion for his community and country. He crossed cultural boundaries and found human connections against all odds.” 

Jaron added: “Our dad was never afraid to act on his beliefs. He always led by example. This acknowledgement of his contribution is a point of great pride for us, his family.”

Jesse explained that he and his father together had written the 2017 hit, I’ve Been Looking. Before he proceeded to perform the song, he said: “It’s a song about those precious things in life that you can’t replace. To my dad, that was his family and his country. I sing this to pay tribute to him and acknowledge him at this amazing moment.”

With guitar in hand and backed by his brother, Jesse performed an emotionally charged rendition of the song, bringing the audience members to their feet. It culminated in a standing ovation. The energy in the room was palpable, proving that despite Clegg’s absence, his spirit and legacy clearly remain alive among his family and fans alike.