President Cyril Ramaphosa is in the United States to attend the funeral service of the late American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, joining global dignitaries in honouring one of the most influential activists of the 20th century.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that Ramaphosa will deliver a tribute at a private funeral in Chicago. Ramaphosa will reflect on Jackson’s commitment to racial justice, global human rights, and the anti-apartheid struggle.
Jackson, who died last month at the age of 84, was a towering figure whose solidarity with South Africa helped galvanised international pressure against apartheid.
“Rev. Jesse Jackson’s irrepressible campaigns against apartheid and his support for the liberation struggle was a towering contribution to the global anti‑apartheid cause,” Magwenya said.
Jackson, a protégé of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as a leading voice for racial equality, economic justice and voting rights.
He founded Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and later the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, organisations that became central pillars of the US civil rights movement.
He also ran twice for the US presidency, expanding black political participation and influencing progressive politics for decades.
In 2013, South Africa awarded Jackson the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in Silver, recognising his lifelong advocacy for equality and his role in mobilising international disinvestment campaigns that weakened the apartheid regime.
Jackson’s funeral has drawn senior US political figures, civil rights veterans, international leaders and community activists, underscoring his global impact.
AP