Hundreds of protesters affiliated with South African political and labour organisations gathered outside the United States Consulate in Cape Town on Thursday, condemning what they described as United States imperialism and unlawful actions against Venezuela, and calling for the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

The demonstration, held along Reddam Street, was led by the African National Congress, the South African Communist Party, the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the South African National Civic Organisation, and several other allied groups. Protesters carried placards reading “Hands Off Venezuela” and “Stop Imperialism,” while chanting slogans in solidarity with the Venezuelan government and against United States global dominance.

In a jointly signed memorandum delivered to the United States Consulate, the organisations said actions taken against Venezuela “constitute a criminal and flagrant violation of Articles 1 and 2 of the United Nations Charter,” which uphold the principles of national sovereignty, legal equality of states, and the prohibition on the use of force. The groups demanded a formal response from the United States government within two weeks.

“Venezuela, its government, and its people have the sovereign right to pursue their chosen political, economic, and social path without coercion, threats, or external interference,” the memorandum stated. “The United States has no right to police, invade, or wage undeclared war against independent nations under the guise of security or counter narcotics.”

Speaking at the protest, Barry Mitchell, a member of the South African Communist Party Central Committee, said the demonstration aimed to condemn imperialism and defend the principle of state sovereignty.

“We are condemning American imperialism, acts against country sovereignty, and the increasing levels of war and violence across the developing world,” Mitchell said. He stressed that all nations must retain the right to develop independently without external coercion.

COSATU provincial secretary Malvern du Bruyn described the United States action as a breach of international law motivated by resource interests. He said the protest reflected widespread anger among African people over Washington’s conduct.

“The detention of a sitting head of state sets a very dangerous precedent,” du Bruyn said, calling for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife and urging the United States to return them “unharmed without delay.”

Warning of broader consequences, du Bruyn added, “The question that remains is who is next?” He called for unity across the Global South, arguing that collective resistance is necessary to counter unilateral actions by powerful states.

ANC provincial leader Thando Dedezane echoed these concerns, describing United States behaviour as increasingly aggressive.

“The conduct of the United States is on steroids,” Dedezane said, arguing that the detention of Maduro was not an isolated act but part of a broader attempt to reshape the global order.

He also pointed to what he described as recent United States imperialist threats beyond Latin America, warning that smaller and strategically located countries could face similar pressure.

“We need to stand up collectively, continentally and globally, with a united front if we are to win this battle,” Dedezane said.

The protest concluded with renewed calls for international solidarity, diplomatic engagement, and strict adherence to international law as the foundation for resolving disputes between sovereign states. NNA News | Xinhua