GAUTENG – Solly Mapaila, the fiery General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), did not hold back during a passionate protest outside the United States embassy in Pretoria. The rally, which took place on January 8, 2026, witnessed a coalition of trade unions, political groups, and civil society organizations uniting to voice their deep concerns over U.S. military engagements in Venezuela.
Mapaila launched into a blistering attack against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of turning the USA into a 'terrorist state' due to the recent military operations that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple was detained amidst an array of charges, including narco-terrorism, to which they have both pleaded not guilty.
What did Mapaila say about Trump?
As he addressed the crowd, Mapaila demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, asserting that the charges against them were fabricated. He emphasized the notion that the U.S. had grossly violated international law.
“The United States of America has acted as a terrorist state. As a rogue state,”
Mapaila declared, echoing the sentiments of many of the demonstrators.
Mapaila concerned about Trump’s actions
But his criticisms didn't stop at Venezuela. Mapaila pointed to the broader implications of U.S. military tactics, which had even threatened other nations and involved the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic. He expressed grave concern over the potential escalation into a third World War, highlighting the precariousness of global peace.
“It’s this madness of the man in the White House that is shocking all of us,”
he remarked, rallying the crowd to consider the gravity of U.S. actions.
SACP General Secretary is also disappointed with Europe
Furthermore, Mapaila turned his attention towards Europe, conveying disappointment at its muted reaction to Trump's aggressive maneuvers. He described European nations as the 'main colonisers' and accused them of playing a duplicitous role.
“They can’t condemn what Trump is doing. The bottom line is that they are part and parcel of the imperialist order today,”
he asserted, suggesting a deep-seated complicity among European leaders.
Cyril Ramaphosa calls for Nicolas Maduro’s immediate release
In a related vein, President Cyril Ramaphosa also condemned the military actions in Venezuela, echoing Mapaila's demand for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife. The South African public reacted with a blend of support and skepticism to Ramaphosa's stance on social media.
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