Trump
By Thabo Mosia
ANC Member of Parliament Xola Nqola has warned that the world faces grave danger if it does not come together against United States President Donald Trump. His stark words come amid global outrage over a surprise US military strike on Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The attack, which happened in the early hours of 3 January 2026, has sent shockwaves through international circles, with South Africa leading calls for urgent action at the United Nations. Nqola’s statement highlights growing fears that such bold moves could spark wider instability, drawing parallels to past conflicts and raising questions about the future of global peace.
The crisis has put South Africa’s foreign policy in the spotlight, as the country pushes for diplomacy over force. With tensions already high from months of US threats, this event marks a dramatic turn that could reshape relations between superpowers and smaller nations alike.
Xola Nqola’s Urgent Call for Global Unity
Xola Nqola, a vocal ANC MP known for his strong views on international affairs, took to social media to sound the alarm. “If the world doesn’t unite against Donald Trump , then we are all doomed,” he posted, alongside an image that captured widespread attention. His message quickly gained traction, with thousands of views and shares, as people debated the implications for South Africa and beyond.
Nqola’s warning ties directly to the Venezuela strike, which he sees as a sign of Trump’s aggressive approach. As a parliamentarian, he has often spoken out against what he calls “imperialist actions,” echoing the ANC’s long-standing commitment to anti-colonialism and solidarity with oppressed nations. His post reflects deeper concerns that unchecked US power could target African leaders next, especially given Trump’s past comments on South Africa, like his 2018 remarks on land issues that drew sharp criticism here.
Supporters online agreed, with some pointing out how Trump’s re-election in November 2024 ramped up fears of a return to his “America First” policies, which often clashed with global norms. Critics, however, argue that Nqola’s words are too alarmist, but the MP stands firm, urging collective resistance to prevent a slide into chaos.
The US Strike: What Happened in Venezuela
The crisis kicked off when Trump announced that US forces had launched a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela, hitting key sites in Caracas and beyond. Explosions rocked the capital, cutting power in southern areas and plunging parts of the city into darkness. In a late-night statement, Trump confirmed that Maduro and Flores were captured and flown out of the country to face charges in the US. These include long-standing accusations of drug trafficking, weapons violations, and narco-terrorism, dating back to 2020 indictments that linked Maduro to conspiring with groups to flood the US with cocaine.
Venezuelan officials declared a state of emergency, calling the operation “extremely serious military aggression.” Reports suggest airstrikes targeted military bases and government buildings, though exact casualty numbers are still unclear due to communication disruptions. Trump hinted at installing opposition figure María Corina Machado as an interim leader, a move that could deepen divisions in the oil-rich nation.
This is not the first time Trump has rattled sabres at Venezuela. During his first term, he imposed heavy sanctions and even floated invasion ideas. Tensions boiled over in December 2025 with a total blockade on sanctioned oil tankers and threats to seize Venezuelan resources like oil and minerals. Maduro hit back, saying Trump wanted to “turn back the clock 200 years” and should focus on his own country.
South Africa’s Strong Condemnation and Push for UN Action
South Africa’s government wasted no time in responding, with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) issuing a firm statement. It described the US actions as a “manifest violation” of the UN Charter, which bans threats or use of force against a country’s sovereignty without approval. Dirco stressed that external military meddling in domestic issues is not allowed and called for an urgent UN Security Council session to address the mess.
This stance fits South Africa’s track record of backing peaceful talks in Venezuela. In past UN debates, the country has pushed for inclusive dialogue to solve the political deadlock there, rather than outside interference. Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi echoed the condemnation, calling the strike “concerning” and urging the world to reject it. The International Human Rights Foundation also slammed the move, warning it puts the global order at risk.
South Africa’s position is rooted in its own history of fighting foreign meddling during apartheid, making it a natural advocate for non-alignment and multilateral solutions. Officials say unlawful unilateral force only breeds more crisis, as seen in past invasions that left countries in ruins.
