Rev. Jackson to represent Illinois in South Africa

The Rev. Jesse Jackson will represent Illinois in South Africa at the 100th anniversary of the founding of the African National Congress.

The Chicago civil rights leader will leave next week. Gov. Pat Quinn announced Jackson’s trip on Wednesday.

Quinn says Jackson is a good ambassador for the state.

State officials say South Africa is the top importer of Illinois products in Africa. Quinn’s office says it accounts for $613 million in economic activity in 2010.

The ANC is Africa’s oldest liberation movement and was founded in 1912 to preserve voting rights for black South Africans. It is now that nation’s largest political party.

Jackson has visited South Africa before, including n 1990 when Nelson Mandela was freed after more than two decades in prison.