South Africa: Ramaphosa to Attend Jesse Jackson Funeral in Chicago

President Cyril Ramaphosa is among several international dignitaries expected to attend the funeral service of renowned American civil rights activist Jesse Jackson in Chicago.

Jackson died on 17 February 2026 at the age of 84 after battling a rare neurodegenerative condition known as progressive supranuclear palsy.

Ramaphosa is expected to join global leaders and mourners at the “homegoing celebration of life” scheduled for Saturday, 7 March 2026, at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago.

The South African president is also expected to deliver remarks honouring Jackson’s legacy and his contributions to the global struggle for human rights and racial equality.See More, Details.

The veteran activist, who founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and was a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement, was also known for his strong support of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.