SACP to March on US Embassy After Maduro’s Capture

South Africa’s political scene is set for a tense showdown this Thursday, as the South African Communist Party (SACP) mobilizes a march to the US embassy in Pretoria to protest the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Speaking at the 31st annual Joe Slovo commemoration at Avalon Cemetery in Soweto, SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila described the past two days as sleepless, haunted by the implications of the US operation in Caracas.

“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 said.

He called on all alliance partners, and South Africans, to join the march, emphasizing that the US action represents a troubling assertion of power on the global stage.

Mapaila Condemns US Intervention

Mapaila was unequivocal in his criticism of the United States, framing the raid as a symbol of American overreach.

“The US influence in the world is weakening. It’s like a bully. When you confront a bully, you will be shocked by how apologetic they can be,” he said.

He argued that emerging global powers, including China, BRICS nations, and Eurasian alliances, are shifting the balance, creating a world where countries can defend themselves without relying on the US.

The US operation in Caracas involved airstrikes, warplanes, and naval forces, resulting in the detention of Maduro and Flores. The couple appeared in a New York federal court on Monday, where they pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges, and are set to return for a hearing on March 17.

ANC Voices Solidarity

Earlier at the same event, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the US operation, standing firmly with the Venezuelan people.

“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,” he said.

Ramaphosa called on the UN Security Council to uphold international law and maintain global stability, pointing to rising inequality, climate change, and international tensions as reasons why a fair world order is critical.

“We seek to build a society based on the best in human civilisation, founded on political equality and social inclusivity,” he added.

Local and Global Reactions

Social media in South Africa has already started buzzing over the planned march. Many South Africans expressed solidarity with Maduro, criticizing US intervention and calling for stronger global checks on power. Others debated the role of South Africa in international diplomacy, questioning how far domestic political parties should go in responding to foreign conflicts.

Meanwhile, in Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim president, while US officials, including former President Donald Trump, have indicated that Washington intends to assert control over Venezuela’s oil sector, ruling out new elections in the immediate term.

The Stakes

For Mapaila and the SACP, the march is about more than one country; it is a statement against what they describe as unilateral power and bullying in international affairs. For South Africans watching, the event underscores how global geopolitics can ripple into local politics, stirring public debate, social activism, and calls for international justice.

“When the world is confronted with power overreach, we must stand for law, fairness, and the dignity of all nations,” Mapaila said.

This Thursday, Pretoria’s streets are expected to echo with chants and banners, as South African citizens join their political leaders in what is shaping up to be a high-profile protest with both local and global resonance.

{Source: IOL}

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