Cyril Ramaphosa Demands Nicolás Maduro's Release: South Africans Respond Fiercely

Gauteng – In a passionate address, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This statement comes in response to a controversial military action by the United States that resulted in the couple's capture during a raid in Venezuela on January 3, 2026.

During the 31st annual Joe Slovo commemoration in Soweto, Ramaphosa expressed deep concern over the US's actions, stating that they undermine both the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another UN member state.

Ramaphosa Speaks Out Against US Intervention

“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 declared, articulating a strong stance against what he deemed imperialist intervention.

Communist Party Joins the Call

Echoing Ramaphosa's sentiments, Solly Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), announced plans for a march to the US Embassy in protest of these actions on January 8, 2026. Mapaila expressed his distress over Maduro's arrest, saying he was deeply troubled and did not sleep for two days following the news.

Public Response: A Divided Nation

Social media erupted with mixed reactions to Ramaphosa's comments. While some voices cheered his condemnation of US actions, others expressed discontent and disappointment in his focus on foreign issues rather than domestic challenges.

@QabaNtywenka: "Don't use the words 'we'. Say 'I'. We don't stand with you on anything. Sellout"

@MadiBoity: "You are failing to lead your country, and you are always poking your nose into other people’s affairs. You have a litany of crises right under your nose."

@ZimDaily: "The people of Venezuela overwhelmingly voted against Maduro in 2024 - please respect that."

@EmpireEnjoyer3: "South Africa is next."

@msmonakhisi: "You never stand with the South African people. Always meddling in other people's countries but yours."

@mrlungisa: "Thanks, President, for speaking out against the barbaric actions of the US."

@KMutisi: "Well done, Mr President, that lawlessness from Mr Trump is unacceptable. Consider sending boots on the ground."

@EFFDefence2026: "Now we are talking. South Africa should never make the mistake of siding with the imperialists. We stand with the people of Venezuela and demand the immediate release of the People's President Maduro."

@yoruba_baron: "We stand with Venezuela and reject the U.S. actions completely. Respect to President Ramaphosa, true leadership speaking truth to power."

Controversy Surrounds Ramaphosa's Leadership

In a separate incident, a South African man created a video urging for Ramaphosa's capture following the US's actions in Venezuela, which sparked a blend of amusement and disappointment among viewers.