Trade Unions to march to the US Embassy in Tshwane to protest against military action in Venezuela

Mapaballo Borotho

South African trade unions, led by COSATU and allied organisations, will hold an emergency picket outside the United States embassy in Pretoria at midday Thursday to condemn the US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
They say the US actions violate international law, undermine national sovereignty, and threaten global peace, and are urging workers to join the lawful protest.
The unions frame the demonstration as part of a broader defence of international law, self-determination, and the right of peoples to determine their own future free from foreign intervention.

The South African Trade Unions are preparing to hold an emergency picket outside the United States of America’s embassy in Pretoria on Thursday, standing in Solidarity with Venezuela and condemning the US military’s invasion of the South American country.

This comes days after US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that US forces apprehended Maduro after bombing the capital, Caracas, and other cities, marking a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between the two leaders.

Maduro and the first lady remain in custody in the United States of America following their court appearance in New York on Monday.

COSATU’s Bonang-Masuku says the actions of the USA are a clear violation of international law, the UN charter, and the sovereignty of an independent nation.

“We are appalled by the US’ behaviour on the international stage and urge workers to join the lawful protest. We would also like to thank the relevant authorities for swiftly facilitating this urgent gathering and enabling tomorrow’s emergency protest.

This protest is not only about Venezuela; it is about defending international law, national sovereignty, and the right of peoples to determine their own future without bombs, sanctions, kidnappings or foreign interference from the USA,” said Masuku.

He said Washington is targeting Venezuela simply because it has refused to surrender its sovereignty, resources, and political independence to US corporations and US imperial interests.

The lawful protest is set to take place at 12h00 mid-day.