The Africa Institute of South Africa and The South African-American Partnership Forum cordially Invite You to The

2nd Annual Freedom Day Seminar:

Reverend Jesse Jacksons Reflections on the South African Political and Economic Agenda Nationally and Globally
Reverend Jesse Jackson, President, Rainbow Push, is an international Civil Rights Activist and a 2013 Recipient of the South African Presidential Order of Companions of Oliver Tambo Award
Date: Venue: Friday, 26th April 2012 Sheraton Hotel (TBD) 643 Church St, Pretoria 9:30 for 10:00am

Time:

Send RSVPs to Sam Lekala E-mail: slekala@ai.org.za: Tel: 012-304-9773 or 0823281464

Abstract: South Africa is one of the most dynamic countries in the world and one that has also captured the global imagination because of its current resiliency, tolerance and ability to thrice economically notwithstanding its apartheid history. Ever moving forward toward freedom which for most of the countrys history through the 20th century was about achieving universal human rights and political equality and today involves efforts to redress economic inequality among the diverse peoples of the nation - South Africa remains a country where the struggle continues. In the 20th century, the African Diaspora in Europe, Cuba, the Caribbean, and particularly in the US, played a visible and consistent role in advocating for a Free South Africa and a democratic union in the face, initially, of global opposition outside of South Africa and an intractable apartheid government within the nation. However, as we enter the second decade of the new millennium, and it becomes apparent that freedom was and is not free and challenges remain that are economic in nature - related to land distribution, access to capital, skills development, basic education, and job creation - the questions arise as to how friends of South Africa in the Diaspora and beyond can again play a meaningful road in support of the development of this important nation within the global African community. Reflecting on his 21st century activism, and the current state of global affairs, Reverend Jesse Jackson will share some of his insights about possible ways that a new compact of cooperation and collaboration can be formed between South Africa and the global African Diaspora for mutual benefit and toward achievement of the count rys 21st century Freedom Agenda! Biography: The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., Founder and President of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, is one of Americas foremost civil rights, religious and political figures. Over the past forty years he has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, and economic and social justice. Jackson was instrumental in the international Anti-Apartheid struggle, making it a centerpiece of two campaigns for president of the United States. Jackson worked tirelessly in the United States and internationally to broaden the coalition for sanctions against the minority regime. Jesse Jackson first visited South Africa in 1979 following the death of Steve Biko. Jackson attracted huge crowds at his rallies in Soweto where he denounced South Africa's oppressive system of apartheid. Upon his return to the United States, Jackson intensified efforts to mobilize opposition to the terrorist state of South Africa and to reshape the United States foreign policy on South Africa. Jackson strongly opposed Reagans policy of constructive engagement with the apartheid regime. During the 1984 presidential race Jesse Jackson met with ANC President Oliver Tambo, and pledged his support. Jackson was also a supporter of Reverend Leon Sullivans principles which were designed to force U.S. corporations in South Africa to ameliorate the condition of Black workers. Jackson met with various international leaders such as Pope John Paul II , Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev to cut all diplomatic ties with South Africa. Moreover he also led campaigns against US and international businesses with ties to South Africa. These campaigns contributed towards the democracy of South Africa through international sanctions against the former Apartheid regime.

Venue: Sheraton Hotel Pretoria