Chicago: President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Chicago, in the state of Illinois in the United States of America, to pay tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Jesse Louis Jackson.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa will join members of the Jackson family, the PUSH Rainbow Coalition, the broader US Civil Rights movement, and other American and international dignitaries in paying tribute to Rev. Jackson. The President will deliver his tribute during the private homegoing celebration (funeral).
President Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Rev. Jackson at the age of 84. Rev. Jackson's campaigns against apartheid and his support for the liberation struggle were significant contributions to the global anti-apartheid cause. In 2013, Rev. Jackson was awarded South Africa's National Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Silver for his dedication to challenging societies and governments to recognize that all people are born equal, and that everyone is equally entitled to life, liberty, prosperity, and human rights. The award honored his contribution to the fight against apartheid.
Rev. Jackson's efforts included advocating for disinvestment from the apartheid economy and challenging the international support the regime enjoyed in certain circles and institutions.