Simón Bolívar

215 Years of Venezuela Independence, Resilience and the Enduring Pursuit of Sovereignty
TDS

8 July 2026

Set in the surroundings of the Pretoria Art Museum, home to one of South Africa's most prominent busts of the Liberator Simón Bolívar, Venezuela's 215th Independence Day commemoration unfolded in an atmosphere of solemn reflection rather than celebration. At the foot of Bolívar's likeness, wreaths were laid in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent double earthquakes that devastated parts of Venezuela. A book of condolences was opened, inviting members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives and friends of Venezuela to express messages of sympathy, solidarity and hope for the country's recovery and reconstruction.