Ramaphosa mourns passing of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to veteran US civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Ramaphosa said Jackson’s campaigns against apartheid were a towering contribution to the global anti-apartheid cause.

Earlier on Tuesday, Jackson's family confirmed his passing at the age of 84.

Jackson was a dynamic speaker and a successful mediator in international disputes.

In 2013, he was awarded South Africa’s National Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in Silver for his contribution to the fight against apartheid.

"On behalf of all South Africans, President Ramaphosa extends his condolences to the Jackson family, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the many organisations within the American Civil Rights Movement and in causes elsewhere in the world who were inspired by the Rev Jesse Jackson’s principles and leadership." — Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya