The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) supports the broad coalition of trade unions, political formations, civil-society organisations and solidarity movements set to hold an emergency picket tomorrow, 8 January, outside the United States Embassy in Pretoria, to condemn the US’ military invasion of Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.
Jointly convened by COSATU, NEHAWU, POPCRU, SACP, YCL, Africa4Palestine, South Africa Latin America Association (SALA), Anti-Fascist International (South Africa Chapter), and other allied formations, this emergency action marks the first coordinated public protest in South Africa against the current USA military assault on Venezuela and reflects the growing outrage among South Africans at Washington’s escalating lawlessness.
The actions of the USA are in clear violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the sovereignty of an independent nation. As peace-loving people, 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. We reject the US’ ongoing policy of war, coercion, sanctions, and regime-change operations against poorer countries or those of the Global South.
Venezuela — a country with the largest proven oil reserves in the world — is being targeted not because it has failed its people, but because it has refused to hand over and surrender its sovereignty, resources, and political independence to US corporations and US imperial interests.
Yesterday it was Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya. Today it is Cuba, Venezuela. Tomorrow it could be any of us.
PROTEST DETAILS
• Date: Thursday, 8 January 2026
• Time: 12pm
• Venue: United States Embassy, 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
Members of the media are invited to cover the protest.
We call on workers, students, faith communities, activists, and all peace-loving people to join this emergency protest and make their voices heard.
Issued by COSATU
Bongani Masuku (COSATU International Secretary)
Mobile: 079 499 6419
Email: bongani@cosatu.org.za
For enquiries contact:
Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)
079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
