President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the State of Illinois, in the United States, to attend the private funeral service of the late Rev Jesse Jackson.
In a statement confirming his arrival, the Presidency says Ramaphosa will join members of the Jackson family, the PUSH Rainbow Coalition, the broader United States Civil Rights movement and other American and international dignitaries in paying tribute to the late civil rights icon.
The Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa would deliver a tribute at the private homegoing celebration for the late Reverend, a day after a more public event that featured the likes of former US Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, among others.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ARRIVES IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS TO DELIVER TRIBUTE TO LATE EMINENT HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER DR JESSE LOUIS JACKSON SR
President @CyrilRamaphosa has arrived at Chicago O’ Hare International Airport in the state of Illinois in the United States of America.… pic.twitter.com/hIVRXL17YB
— The Presidency
(@PresidencyZA) March 6, 2026
Ramaphosa earlier expressed his deep sadness at Jackson’s passing on February 17 and acknowledged his irrepressible campaigns against apartheid and his support for the liberation struggle, in addition to a towering contribution to the global anti-apartheid cause.
He also referred to Jackson as a global moral authority who gave voice to struggles in the United States and around the world.
Memorial Service for Rev Jesse Jackson:
