The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the people of Venezuela against US aggression and the abduction of President Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores,
COSATU is part of the global coordination of the various international and national solidarity actions in defence of the people of Venezuela, their sovereignty and right to self-determination. The defence of the Bolivarian revolution is our internationalist duty and task, because we know none of us is safe if one of us is bullied.
These actions form part of a growing global response by the international working-class movement to resist the global onslaught led by the US against countries of the Global South in particular, with Venezuela and South Africa amongst the most targeted.
The 8th Central Committee of COSATU articulated a very coherent perspective on the primacy of advancing working-class internationalism against the resurgence of racism, sexism, Zionism and targeting of progressive forces of the world in general.
COSATU is actively involved in all these international solidarity struggles basing itself on the rich traditions of the struggle against anti-apartheid, colonialism and oppression. This is the basis of the centrality of the working class and COSATU as the key force for global justice, democracy and the right to self-determination.
Towards this end, we affirm our full support and participation in the following activities:
- COSATU, NEHAWU and the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) International Action Day in Solidarity with the People of Venezuela scheduled as follows:
- Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
- Time: 12pm – 2pm
- Venue: United States Consulate
1 Sandton Drive, Sandhurst
- COSATU, SACP, ANC and SANCO Alliance-organised Picket in the Western Cape
- Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
- Time: 11am
- Venue: 02 Reddam Ave, Tokai (Western Cape)
- COSATU supports the NUMSA March in Solidarity with the People of Venezuela and in Defence of the Bolivarian Revolution, taking place on:
- Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026
- Time: 9am
- Assembly Point: Sandton Park
- Destination: United States Consulate, Sandton Drive, Sandhurst
The unity of the working class is indispensable for the defeat of the forces of plunder, war, occupation and imperialism, wherever they are and we call on all peace-loving humanity to stand on the side of justice and progress.
Issued by COSATU
Bongani Masuku
COSATU International Secretary
Mobile: 079 499 6419
Email: bongani@cosatu.org.za
For media enquiries contact:
Zanele Sabela
COSATU Spokesperson
079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za
