President Ramaphosa Pays Tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr

South africa: South Africa has joined the international community in mourning the passing of United States human rights activist and anti-apartheid struggle flagbearer, Reverend Dr. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. According to South African Government News Agency, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the passing of the veteran civil rights leader at the age of 84, describing him as a global moral authority who championed justice without borders. On behalf of all South Africans, the President extended condolences to the Jackson family, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and the many organizations within the American Civil Rights Movement and other causes around the world that were inspired by Dr. Jackson's principles and leadership. President Ramaphosa highlighted Reverend Jackson's irrepressible campaigns against apartheid and his steadfast support for South Africa's liberation struggle as a significant contribution to the global anti-apartheid cause. In 2013, Reverend Jackson was awarded South Africa's National Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo in Silver for dedicating his life to challenging societies and governments to recognize that all people are born equal and equally entitled to life, liberty, prosperity, and human rights. This honor acknowledged his contribution to the fight against apartheid. The President expressed sorrow at bidding farewell to a global moral authority who advocated for struggles within the United States, as well as for fundamental human rights and democracy around the world, including in South Africa. He noted that Jesse Jackson, mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., devoted himself to the cause of justice as a human endeavor without borders. President Ramaphosa also reflected with appreciation and admiration on Jackson's visit to Southern Africa 40 years ago, where the civil rights leader traveled across the region to share his support for South Africa's liberation struggle with leaders and citizens in Nigeria, Angola, Botswana, the then Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambi a, and Zimbabwe. From Selma in the American South to Soweto in 1979, which he visited following the death of Steve Biko, the President said Jackson defied the architects of apartheid to declare that all people are equal and that justice would ultimately triumph over injustice. His campaigns against apartheid included disinvestment from the apartheid economy and challenging the support the regime enjoyed in certain circles and institutions internationally. President Ramaphosa expressed deep indebtedness to the energy, principled clarity, and personal risk with which Jackson supported the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa and other parts of the world. He fondly remembered participating in the 33rd Gandhi Walk with Jesse Jackson in April 2018, where they shared a commitment to a better world and discussed Jackson's special relationship with South Africa. In conclusion, the President stated that Jesse Jackson fought a good fight inspired by his Baptist ministry, making the world a better place a nd influencing others to maintain the fight against injustice and inequality. He expressed hope that Jackson's soul would rest in peace.