American Leader Jesse Jackson accepts Mandela Bay Ambassadorial Position

American civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, Founder and President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, graciously accepted a request to become an Ambassador for Nelson Mandela Bay. While officiating at the Annual Govan Mbeki Memorial Lecture as the guest speaker, Jackson said that he is not receiving any remuneration for it and will do it out of love.

Before leaving Nelson Mandela Bay for America, he said: “I accept with honor the request of a relationship with you for us to continue with our dream”.

Jackson, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the US in 2000, also agreed to become the Patron for the Nelson Mandela Bay Memorial Monument and stated that it is a big deal to honor men and women who played a role in the liberation of South Africa. The Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay in particular contributed in a major way towards the liberation of South Africa.

He further agreed to a partnership between the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Nelson Mandela Bay and Liberty DME to host the African Investment Forum in Los Angeles in March 2015 and in Nelson Mandela Bay in September 2015.

“The ANC is on the right track. Twenty years in power is a very short time but a lot has been done during this time,” he said.

Jackson came to South Africa to honor an invitation by Executive Mayor Benson Fihla despite the fact that his mother is currently ill.

MEC Pemmy Majodina thanked him for his contribution to the freedom of South Africa and wished his mother well.

Jackson’s visit came as a result of a high level visit, led by Executive Mayor Benson Fihla, to America to garner support for the establishment of an international film festival, an international gospel music festival and the development of a statue for Nelson Mandela in the city.

Mayor Fihla, a coveted anti-Apartheid activist who spent fourteen years on Robben Island, thanked Reverend Jackson for his crucial role in facilitating engagements during the American visits.

Issued on behalf of Executive Mayor Benson Fihla by Mayoral Spokesperson Kupido Baron (041 506 1500 /kbaron@mandelametro.gov.za / @kupidobaron).