By Desmond Nleya
Demonstrators gathered outside the United States Embassy in Pretoria on Thursday to protest what they described as a US attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The protest was led by members of the South African Communist Party (SACP), who strongly condemned the actions of US President Donald Trump and called for the immediate release of Maduro. Protesters carried placards showing the Venezuelan leader and chanted slogans in support of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Sarah Mukwevho, one of the demonstrators, said the protest was an expression of solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
“Today we are here outside the US embassy in Pretoria in solidarity with Venezuela,” she said. “The Venezuelan president and his spouse were abducted by the US a few days ago, and we are calling, firstly, for the release of President Maduro, and secondly, for respect for national sovereignty. All countries must be allowed to determine their own affairs without external interference.”
Venezuela’s interior ministry has claimed that at least 100 people were killed during the US military operation in which Maduro was allegedly seized. The reported operation has drawn widespread criticism and has triggered protests both within the United States and in other countries.
SACP Secretary General Solly Mapaila praised the South African government’s response to the developments, describing it as principled and courageous.
“We have appreciated South Africa’s stance,” Mapaila said. “It was brave, important and independent. Standing for truth and principle sometimes comes at a risk, but our own democracy was achieved through international solidarity. Expressing solidarity with others is therefore part of our own struggle.”
Protesters also accused the United States of being motivated by Venezuela’s vast oil wealth, noting that the country holds the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world. They warned against what they described as resource-driven foreign intervention and called for respect for international law and sovereignty.
