Allan Boesak remembers his friend, Jesse Jackson, and his love for South Africa

US civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson has been remembered for his legacy and impact in America and South Africa.

His family announced that he passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 and was hospitalised for observation in November last year after being diagnosed with the degenerative condition.

Anti-apartheid activist Reverend Allan Boesak explained that Jackson had a significant impact on the civil rights movements in the United States and South Africa.

RELATED: Ramaphosa, ANC pay tribute to late civil rights icon Jesse Jackson

In the 1960s, Jackson fought for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr and ran for president twice.

“It was a difficult time for a Democrat, but it was even more difficult for a Black person. He tested them, and America failed, but it was a very important test. It actually said to Black Americans that you can use the fruits of the civil rights not just to become a local councillor, but the highest office of the land,” Boesak said. 

He recalled Jackson’s several visits to South Africa and his good relationship with the late President Nelson Mandela. 

He was present when Mandela was released from prison in 1990.

“On that Sunday, I didn’t go to Drakenstein prison because Jesse was our guest preacher in our church that morning. He went with me to the grand parade and the city hall after church to hear Mandela speak for the first time.”  

To listen to Boesak in conversation with CapeTalk’s Clarence Ford, use the audio player below: