The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) mourns with deep sorrow the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson, one of the most courageous and consistent fighters for the liberation of the working class, Black people, and all oppressed humanity.
His passing marks the departure of a towering figure whose life was defined by uncompromising struggle against racism, capitalism, imperialism, and apartheid.
Jesse Jackson belonged to that historic generation of leaders who understood that racism was not an accident, but a structural pillar of capitalism, used to divide and super-exploit the working class.
A LEADER OF THE BLACK WORKING CLASS IN THE UNITED STATES
Reverend Jackson emerged from the furnace of the US Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, working alongside Dr Martin Luther King Jr and millions of ordinary workers, domestic workers, farm workers, and the unemployed who rose against racial oppression.
He played a decisive role in the great mass struggles that dismantled legal segregation, expanded voting rights, and exposed the brutality of American capitalism.
But unlike many who became absorbed into the political establishment, Jackson remained rooted in the struggles of the poor and working class.
Through Operation PUSH and later the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he organised workers and oppressed communities to demand:
- Jobs and economic justice
- Workers’ rights and unionisation
- Corporate accountability
- Access to education and healthcare
- Economic redistribution
He recognised that political democracy without economic democracy was incomplete and fragile.
A CONSISTENT AND COURAGEOUS OPPONENT OF APARTHEID
At a time when the United States government and Western powers continued to collaborate with and protect the apartheid regime, Jesse Jackson stood firmly on the side of the oppressed majority in South Africa.
He was among the most prominent voices in the United States calling for:
- Comprehensive economic sanctions against apartheid South Africa
- The isolation of the racist regime internationally
- Support for the African National Congress and liberation movements
- The release of Nelson Mandela and all political prisoners
He mobilised millions of people in the United States and internationally to demand the end of apartheid. His activism helped build the global pressure that eventually forced the apartheid regime into retreat.
The South African working class and liberation movement will never forget his principled solidarity during our darkest hours.
A FIGHTER AGAINST IMPERIALISM AND GLOBAL INJUSTICE
Reverend Jackson understood that the oppression of Black workers in the United States was inseparable from the oppression of workers in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
He opposed wars of imperial domination and consistently called for international solidarity between oppressed peoples.
He recognised that multinational corporations and financial elites accumulated wealth through the exploitation of workers globally.
His life embodied the principle that the working class has no borders, and that solidarity across nations is essential for liberation.
GIVING POLITICAL VOICE TO THE POOR AND WORKING CLASS
His historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 broke barriers and transformed American politics.
He used his campaigns not for personal ambition, but as platforms to advance the demands of the working class, including:
- Full employment
- Universal healthcare
- Free and quality education
- Workers’ rights
- Racial and economic justice
He gave hope and political voice to millions who had been excluded from political power.
LESSONS FOR THE WORKING CLASS TODAY
Reverend Jesse Jackson’s life teaches us that:
- The working class must organise independently to defend its interests.
- Racism and capitalism are interconnected systems of oppression.
- International solidarity is essential to defeat injustice.
- Courageous leadership must stand against powerful interests.
At a time when neoliberal austerity continues to devastate workers in South Africa and globally, his example remains profoundly relevant.
SAFTU’S TRIBUTE
SAFTU dips its revolutionary banner in honour of Reverend Jesse Jackson.
He was not merely a civil rights leader. He was a leader of the working class and oppressed humanity.
He stood with South Africa when many powerful governments stood with apartheid.
His legacy lives on in every worker who fights exploitation, in every union that defends workers’ rights, and in every struggle for justice.
SAFTU conveys its deepest condolences to his family, comrades, and the working class of the United States and the world.
The most fitting tribute we can pay is to continue the struggle for a society free from exploitation, racism, and inequality.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
Issued on behalf of the SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
For Media inquiries contact, the National Spokesperson at
Newton Masuku
Newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
