Ramaphosa jets off to United States for Jesse Jackson’s funeral [video]
· The South African
President Cyril Ramaphosa has departed for the United States for the funeral of latecivil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson.
The funeral will take place on Friday, 6 March, at the House of Hope, with a second service scheduled for Saturday, 7 March, in Chicago
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🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa departs for Chicago, Unites States of America, where he will be attending the funeral of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson.
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) March 5, 2026
President Ramaphosa has referred to the Rev Jesse Jackson’s irrepressible campaigns against apartheid and his support… pic.twitter.com/BPUBroGP4E
Jackson, who was 84 at the time of his death, was described by Ramaphosa as a global moral authority who gave voice to struggles in the United States and around the world.
SOUTH AFRICA MOURNS REV JESSE JACKSON
The president said Jackson’s campaigns against apartheid in South Africa and his support for the liberation struggle made a towering contribution to the global anti-apartheid cause.
The founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition had a long history with South Africa. In 1979, he visited Soweto following the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, where he declared that all people are people.
Ramaphosa said South Africa is deeply indebted to Jackson for campaigning for freedom and equality.
“In 2026, we reflect with deep appreciation and admiration on Jesse Jackson’s visit to Southern Africa 40 years ago this year to share his support for our liberation struggle with leaders and citizens in Nigeria, Angola, Botswana, the then Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe,” Ramaphosa said.
JACKSON REMEMBERED AS A GLOBAL MORAL AUTHORITY
In 2013, Jackson was awarded South Africa’s Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in Silver for dedicating his life to challenging societies and governments to recognise that all people are born equal, and that everyone is entitled to life, liberty, prosperity and human rights. The award honoured his outstanding contribution to the fight against apartheid.
Ramaphosa will be joined by other global leaders, including former US presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden.
HOW DO YOU REMEMBER JESSE JACKSON’S ACTIVISM?