On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison, Minister for People's Power for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela Yván Gil Pinto stated in a post on social media that the event should serve as a permament reminder of US complicity with apartheid regimes, as it has supported apartheid in South Africa for years just as it is doing now with "Israel."

"Today, it is important to remember that despite the displays of admiration for Mandela by officials in Washington, the US supported the apartheid regime in South Africa for years, much like Israel," Pinto wrote.

"In fact, Washington kept Mandela on its terrorist list until 2008. This story is repeating itself today in Israel, which has been colonizing Palestine for over 75 years and oppressing its population," he added.

El 11 de febrero de 1990, Nelson Mandela fue finalmente liberado tras pasar 27 años en prisión en condiciones inhumanas. Su encarcelamiento fue resultado de su valiente lucha contra el apartheid en Sudáfrica, un sistema que negaba los derechos fundamentales a la población negra… pic.twitter.com/yET7I5Kayv

— Yvan Gil (@yvangil) February 11, 2024

Nelson Mandela was released on February 11, 1990 after enduring 27 years of imprisonment in inhumane conditions. His incarceration stemmed from his struggle against apartheid in South Africa, a system that favored the ruling white minority at the expense of denying fundamental rights to the black indigenous population.

His release symbolized the end of racial segregation as the country founded a new inclusive society under his leadership. 

"There is no doubt that Mandela would be proud of South Africa for condemning the genocide and apartheid perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinians," Pinto said. "Honor and eternal glory to our beloved Madiba!"

Read more: US an "empire" infested with contradictions: Venezuela FM - Exclusive

On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed genocide charges against "Israel" at the International Court of Justice.

While the court recognized that South Africa's case holds plausible merit, it did not call for a permanent ceasefire and demanded that vague emergency measures be taken, which fall way short of the scope of the tragedy that has befallen Gaza.

Top Israeli officials later denounced the ruling as "anti-Semitic" and stated that the regime "does not need to be lectured on morality" in its war on Gaza. They vowed to continue their aggression on the Strip to "dismantle" the Palestinian Resistance.

On January 15, Anadolu Agency reported that South Africa is currently in the process of filing charges against the US and the UK for complicity in the Gaza genocide.