By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@APPhoto.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered an emotional tribute at the private homegoing celebration for the late Reverend Jesse Jackson a day after a memorial service that featured former US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton at Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters.
Hundreds of people attended and a guard of honour was formed early Saturday morning ahead of the service.
Ramaphosa described him as a man whose voice carried hope across continents, and whose unwavering solidarity helped sustain South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
He said South Africa was not only joining the world in mourning the global figure, but was also “claiming him as one of their own”.
“The people of South Africa are with you today as you lay to rest a great man and celebrate a remarkable life that altered the moral direction of a nation and inspired the conscience of the world.
“We are here to join you as you say farewell to a man who carried the message of hope from the streets of Chicago to the streets of Johannesburg, “Ramaphosa said.
He acknowledged that Rev. Jackson’s bond with South Africa was forged not by birthplace but by his commitment to justice and his decision to stand with oppressed people during the darkest years of apartheid.
Ramaphosa said Rev. Jackson helped to transform the anti-apartheid struggle into a truly global movement. In November 1985, Rev. Jackson marched in London alongside then African National Congress (ANC) President Oliver Tambo and anti-apartheid campaigner Trevor Huddleston in one of the largest demonstrations ever held against apartheid.
More than 150 000 people took part, demanding sanctions against the South African government and the release of Nelson Mandela.
Rev. Jackson, Ramaphosa said, also used his influence in diplomatic circles to lobby world leaders. He personally urged Pope John Paul II to visit South Africa to encourage change. He also pressed Mikhail Gorbachev to sever Soviet ties with Pretoria, and confronted British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher over her reluctance to impose sanctions.
Ramaphosa recalled Rev. Jackson’s first visit to South Africa in 1979, shortly after the death of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko.
During that visit, Rev. Jackson drew huge crowds in Soweto and famously declared: “This land is changing hands.”
At a time when the administration of Ronald Reagan pursued a policy of “constructive engagement” with the apartheid government, Rev. Jackson advocated openly for strong sanctions and international pressure.
He placed South Africa at the centre of American political debate during his presidential campaign, urging voters to recognise apartheid as a moral issue.
Jackson also led protests in the United States and was arrested outside the South African Embassy in Washington in 1985 along with his sons, Jesse Jr. and Jonathan.
In recognition of his contribution to the struggle for freedom, South Africa awarded Rev. Jackson the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in Silver in 2013.
On behalf of the nation’s 62 million citizens, the President expressed deep gratitude for Jackson’s lifelong commitment to South Africa’s freedom.
“Go well, Reverend. Go well, Mkhulu. The people of the rainbow nation that you helped to build salute you. Amandla. Power to the people.”
Artists Stevie Wonder, Marvin Sapp, Hezekiah Walker and Terisa Griffin performed tributes at the service.
Wonder shared memories of his friendship and political activism with Jackson.
“Rev. Jackson and I had a long and strong history,” he said. “It was personal and political. We were able to love each other and support each other through the good and the bad. I knew his heart, I respected his mind, and trusted his soul. I wish we could say everyone did.”
He then performed his song “They Won’t Go When I Go,” which he said “speaks the truth in my heart.” He also performed “As.”
U.S. Rep Jonathan Jackson spoke about his father’s legacy, calling him a “legend, a miracle, a special occurrence.”
The rest of the Jackson children – Ashley Jackson. Dr. Jaqueline Jackson II and former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr – also spoke, while his daughter Santita Jackson gave a musical performance.
Other notable speakers on the program included Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, Chicago Archbishop Cardinal Blase Cupich and actor/comedian Chris Tucker.
A procession was followed by a private burial at the Oakwood Cemetery.
Jackson died on 17 February at the age of 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and ability to speak in his later years. He is leaving behind his wife of over 60 years, Jacqualine Jackson (née Brown), and their five children: Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline. He is also survived by his daughter, Ashley Jackson, and several grandchildren.