Relatives of Nelson Mandela yesterday spent hours with him at the Pretoria hospital at which he is being treated for a recurring lung infection. His former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and two female relatives, arrived at Mediclinic Heart Hospital just after 3pm yesterday.
Shortly before that Mandela’s daughter from his first marriage, Makaziwe, had arrived.
Then came his grandson, Ndaba, and his eldest daughter by Madikizela-Mandela, Zindzi, and two other relatives.
They all left shortly after 5pm.
Mandela spent his third day in hospital after being rushed from his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, at about 1.30am on Saturday when his condition deteriorated.
The Presidency yesterday again released only sketchy details about Madiba’s condition.
“Former president Nelson Mandela remains in hospital and his condition is unchanged.
“President Jacob Zuma reiterates his call for South Africa to pray for Madiba and the family during this time,” The Presidency said.
Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said on Saturday that Mandela was in a “serious but stable condition” and was breathing on his own.
ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said the ruling party had to rely on Maharaj for updates on Mandela’s condition.
“Our assumption [in the absence of constant updates] is that his condition is unchanged,” Mthembu said.
Well-wishes for the world icon continued to pour in yesterday. The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation “thanked God” for the “extraordinary gift” of Mandela and wished him a speedy recovery.
“Tata Mandela once again endures the ravages of time in hospital. Our prayers are for his comfort and his dignity,” the organisation said.
African Union Commission chairman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said: “I am sending him our fervent prayers and numerous get-well-soon messages from the entire staff of the union. We give him courage and urge him carry on”. – SAPA/timeslive.co.za