South Africans react to US-Venezuela crisis
South Africa's stance on the Venezuela situation has sparked debate among citizens, with many questioning whether the government should focus on domestic issues rather than global affairs. As SA takes a strong position at the UN Security Council against US actions, South Africans are divided on whether this international activism is appropriate for a nation facing significant challenges at home.
Image: UN Photo/Mark Garten
South Africa has criticised the United States for its recent actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, warning that the alleged abduction and arrest of a sitting head of state undermines international law and the UN Charter.
South Africa’s position was outlined before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by Jonathan Passmoor, the Acting Deputy Permanent Representative. His statement, delivered during a recent UNSC session, emphasised the global significance of the Venezuela crisis, particularly the precedent it could set for international relations.
South Africa warned that the US’s move to apprehend Maduro—who stands accused of being involved in a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy—violates Venezuela’s sovereignty and weakens the rules-based international order.
“When force replaces law, protection is replaced by dangerous precedent,” the South African delegation cautioned. It stressed that no country should be allowed to act as judge, jury and executioner in international affairs.
Quoting the UN Charter, Passmoor reminded member states that they are bound "to settle our international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace, security and justice are not endangered." The remark was widely interpreted as a direct criticism of Washington’s actions.
He also underscored a foundational UN principle: “No nation can claim to be legally or morally superior to another,” a message aimed at reinforcing the importance of sovereignty and equal treatment among member states.
Public reaction to South Africa’s remarks has been sharply divided. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), users expressed both support and concern over the country’s stance.
One user, Lesley Bergman, wrote: “The Republic of South Africa should be concerned about its own ‘situation’ instead of trying to muscle its way into global affairs. We're a guppy amongst the sharks, dearie. Of no consequence.”
Another user, Masandawana, called for a stronger position: “This statement is too mild for my liking. I expected SA to strongly condemn what the rogue state of America has done.”
Francois Minnaar was more critical: “This is really not funny anymore. We are all going to be dumped into misery because of our tone-deaf government playing ideological games and constantly looking for trouble with the most powerful country in the world.”
Others, however, welcomed South Africa’s diplomatic posture.
User Village Headman commented: “South Africa always provides leadership, guidance and calls out the bully of our time, USA.”
Katakata Dieta Tsa Tshepe added: “Jealousy down, South African politics will change the politics of the world. We want peace.”