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

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to veteran US civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson, describing his campaigns against apartheid as 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," said Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

ANC PAYS TRIBUTE IN PARLIAMENT
African National Congress (ANC) MPs acknowledged the contribution of Reverend Jesse Jackson during a debate on the State of the Nation Address.

During his activism years, Jackson made several visits to South Africa, the first in 1979 after the death of anti-apartheid icon Steve Biko. He also returned to South Africa in 1990 when Nelson Mandela was released from prison—a day the government commemorated last week.

ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli was the first to pay tribute to Jackson when he opened the debate.

"It is my privilege to convey my deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Jesse Jackson, who passed away earlier today at the age of 84. Jesse Jackson was a great friend of our people and a progressive human being," Ntuli said.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also acknowledged Jackson’s role in South African politics.

"My condolences to Reverend Jesse Jackson’s family: a principled friend of the people of South Africa and our struggle for freedom," said Cachalia.