South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100, for his unwavering opposition to apartheid and his advocacy for Palestine.
In his eulogy, Ramaphosa described Carter as a compassionate and principled leader, dedicated to human rights and global peace. He acknowledged Carter’s vocal criticism of the apartheid regime in South Africa at a time when the government was attempting to secure global support for its unjust policies.
Ramaphosa also noted that Carter holds a “special place” in South Africa’s history, particularly for his role as a founding member of The Elders, a group of global leaders formed in 2007 by Nelson Mandela to promote peace and moral leadership.
The South African president highlighted Carter’s extensive involvement in peace negotiations and his identification of the Palestinian struggle for statehood as a form of apartheid. He also remembered Carter’s receipt of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his decades-long efforts to promote peace, democracy, and human rights worldwide.
Carter, who served as the 39th US President from 1977 to 1981, is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. A state funeral will be held in Washington DC, with US President Joe Biden describing him as an extraordinary leader and humanitarian.
Biden praised Carter for his global impact, noting his contributions to disease eradication, peace-building, civil rights, and humanitarian work. Former President Donald Trump also paid tribute to Carter, recognizing his efforts to improve American life during a challenging era.