Media Statement

The African National Congress extends its heartfelt condolences to the Jackson family, the people of the United States of America, and the global community of justice activists on the passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a towering figure of the civil rights movement and a steadfast friend of South Africa’s liberation struggle.

Reverend Jackson stood unapologetically with the oppressed across continents.

At a time when apartheid sought to isolate and brutalise the people of South Africa, he raised his voice in solidarity, amplifying the call for sanctions, divestment, and international pressure against the apartheid regime. His moral clarity and fearless advocacy affirmed that the struggle for justice in South Africa was nseparable from the broader global struggle for human dignity, equality, and freedom.

Throughout his life, Reverend Jackson embodied the principle that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. As founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and a leader who mobilised millions in pursuit of civil and voting rights, he dedicated his life to uplifting the voiceless, challenging systems of racial and economic exclusion, and advancing a vision of inclusive democracy. His work resonated deeply with the values of the South African liberation movement, rooted in non-racialism, human solidarity, and the unshakeable belief that freedom must be shared.

South Africa remembers Reverend Jackson not only as an American civil rights icon, but as a comrade in the global struggle for liberation. His solidarity strengthened our resolve during the darkest chapters of apartheid and reminded the world that the cause of justice transcends borders. His legacy will continue to inspire new generations to confront inequality, defend human rights, and stand courageously with the marginalised. 

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his life’s work continue to guide all who strive for a more just and

compassionate world.

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