Demonstrators marched to the American consulate in Johannesburg
On a vibrant Saturday, Johannesburg saw hundreds of demonstrators converging on the American consulate. Their chants echoed a powerful message: a unified stand against U.S. intervention in Venezuela and the controversial capture of its former president, Nicolás Maduro.
The march was organized by the South African Communist Party, alongside several trade unions, showcasing a collective effort to voice solidarity with Venezuela amidst growing international tensions. Irvin Jim, the General Secretary of the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA), led the demonstration and made a poignant speech to the gathering crowd.
“We delivered this memorandum following a lawful and very peaceful protest march to the United States consulate in Sandton,” he declared. His words underscored the protesters’ purpose: to formally condemn what they described as an illegal U.S. military invasion of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The memorandum demanded not only the immediate release of Nicolás Maduro but also that of comrade Celia Flores, emphasizing a call for legal and humane treatment in international affairs.
Mike Shingange, First Deputy of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, added more weight to the gathering’s sentiment by underscoring the importance of respecting international law and human rights. He shared, “We are saying that oil can be used to promote peace in the world, not war.” His remarks not only addressed concerns about the motivations behind U.S. actions, but also highlighted the need for cooperation over conflict in global resource management.
In an ambiance charged with solidarity, Shingange continued to rally support for the Venezuelan people, promising that there would be continuous efforts made until they attain liberation. His impassioned speech resonated deeply with the attendees, echoing their unwavering support and commitment to international solidarity.
Furthermore, the political landscape in South Africa plays a significant role in these demonstrations. President Cyril Ramaphosa and his African National Congress (ANC) party have actively denounced the U.S. actions in Venezuela while calling for Maduro’s immediate release. Their stance reflects a broader critique of perceived imperialist aggression, aligning with the sentiments expressed on the streets of Johannesburg.
Nomvula Mokonyane, the ANC’s First Deputy Secretary-General, took the stage to address the demonstrators directly. “On behalf of the African National Congress, we really want to salute workers under the leadership of NUMSA for uniting all of us under one banner of international solidarity,” she stated. Her message emphasized the unity that transcends individual organizations, highlighting a collective resistance against actions perceived as imperilment to national sovereignty.
The backdrop of these protests is further complicated by South Africa’s strained relations with the United States. The tension escalated notably during the presidency of Donald Trump, who made headlines for accusations regarding South Africa’s internal affairs, including claims of genocide against the white community. These comments have fostered a sense of distrust and animosity, contributing to the fervor surrounding Saturday’s protests.
Earlier in the month, demonstrators expressed their dissent outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, reinforcing that the sentiments witnessed in Johannesburg are not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing movement within South Africa to challenge foreign policies and interventions deemed unjust.