South Africa’s SACP Plans US Embassy March Over Maduro Arrest
The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by US forces has sent shockwaves far beyond Caracas. In South Africa, the South African Communist Party (SACP) is mobilising its supporters for a bold statement: a march to the US embassy in Pretoria on Thursday, January 8.
The call to action came from SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila, who revealed at the 31st Joe Slovo commemoration in Avalon Cemetery that he had been unable to sleep for two days following the news of Maduro’s detention.
“I must really say, I did not sleep for two days after the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, trying to think about the international situation,” Mapaila told attendees.
He urged all alliance partners and South Africans to join the demonstration, framing it as a protest against what he described as US overreach and global bullying.
Mapaila Warns Against US “Global Influence”
In his address, Mapaila didn’t mince words about the United States’ role in world affairs. He described the US as a “bully” whose influence is weakening but still wields financial and military power.
“The day the US is properly confronted, they will have their tail between their legs,” Mapaila said, highlighting the rise of new global power blocs, including China, Asia, Eurasian integration, and BRICS, as forces capable of defending themselves independently.
His comments follow the highly controversial US raid in Caracas, which reportedly involved airstrikes supported by warplanes and naval forces. Maduro, 63, and his wife Flores are now in US custody, having pleaded not guilty in a New York federal court to charges including drug trafficking. A hearing is set for March 17.
ANC Leaders Echo Solidarity With Venezuela
At the same event, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s condemnation of the US actions.
“We reject utterly the actions that the United States has embarked upon and stand with the people of Venezuela, and we demand the release of President Maduro and his wife as well,” Ramaphosa said, calling on the UN Security Council to act decisively to uphold international law.
He added that the incident underscores broader global challenges, including instability, climate change, and rising inequality, and highlighted South Africa’s ongoing pursuit of a fair and just world order rooted in political equality and social inclusivity.
Social Media Reacts
The announcement of the march has already generated significant discussion on social media. Some South Africans applauded the SACP’s proactive stance, tweeting sentiments like:
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“Standing up to US imperialism is long overdue!”
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“This is solidarity in action. #FreeMaduro #SACP”
Others questioned the timing and strategy, pointing out that diplomatic channels might also be needed to address international disputes.
Context: Venezuela and Global Power Shifts
The capture of Maduro follows months of mounting tensions in Venezuela, where political instability and economic challenges have strained the nation. Maduro’s former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, has been sworn in as interim president, while US officials have signalled their intent to control Venezuela’s oil industry and ruled out new elections in the near term.
For South Africans observing from afar, the episode highlights the country’s historical stance on sovereignty, anti-imperialism, and alliance solidarity, a tradition dating back to apartheid-era support for liberation movements across the globe.
What to Expect
The march to the US embassy on Thursday promises to be a highly visible demonstration of political solidarity. Whether it sways international opinion or simply signals domestic resolve, it marks a rare moment where South African political parties publicly confront US foreign policy.
Mapaila’s personal reflection, losing sleep over the incident, underscores the depth of feeling within the SACP and its allies. For citizens and observers alike, the coming days will reveal whether this march is a symbolic protest or a catalyst for broader engagement in global politics.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@townpresssa}
