Reverend Jesse Jackson.
We mourn the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a champion of human rights and social justice. Born of bondage, he broke the shackles of oppression and dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the marginalised, the weak and those facing hardships beyond their borders.
February 17, 2026 will be remembered as a gloomy day when dark clouds hung over the community of nations. As we mourn the passing of Rev. Jackson, we take solace in our collective determination and steadfast desire for a better future and national democratic society. Although sadness surrounds us, we know that the light of hope will ultimately prevail. Rev. Jackson was a beloved brother of Africa and his relationship with the oppressed people was stained with blood.
He was a revolutionary inspired by true feelings of love and compassion for his people. He spoke out for suffering Africa, against apartheid Israel when it was unfashionable to do so, and chose peace in the face of cruelty and violence. Rev. Jackson's legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. His courageous leadership paved the way for future generations, including America's first black president, President Barack Obama.
Rev. Jackson fought the good fight to the end. He knew that our ancestral lands in Africa had been stolen and we were taken as slaves to build on foreign lands. They fought tooth and nail so that the transatlantic slave trade would never be repeated anywhere, where our people suffered brutal conditions and many lost their lives.
Rev. Jackson was aware that modern slavery persists, including in South Africa, where farm workers face exploitation and violence. He knew that our people were killed and buried in shallow graves during apartheid and that our culture was crushed by colonialism.
He has left us as a stunned nation, still struggling to silence the guns of oppression. He was a man who knew only one human race and proudly claimed his African heritage. Their legacy is rooted in unity, pride and autonomy, echoing the words of Marcus Garvey: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origins and culture is like a tree without roots”.
Rev Jackson received the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in Silver in 2013 for his contribution to the anti-apartheid movement. He reminded us that “the struggle is not over” and that freedom does not equal freedom without justice in land ownership, education, healthcare, banking and business.
Let us remember Rev. Jackson's contribution to humanity and recommit to the fight against slavery, child labour, genocide, gender-based violence and femicide. We call on the people of Greenville, South Carolina to erect a monument in his honor and on the United Nations to declare October 8, Rev. Jackson's birthday, the International Day of Peace and Harmony. We stand in solidarity with his family, relatives, friends and colleagues and share in their grief.
His legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for justice, equality and human rights. We will honor his memory by carrying the torch of hope and perseverance.
Rest in peace, Rev. Jackson, the last friend of Africa, a true patriot of human dignity and social justice.
Sello Shai-Morule is a South African civil servant, writing in his personal capacity.