The eldest daughter of Nelson Mandela summoned the clan to Qunu to discuss ‘sensitive matters’.
In African tradition it means the end is near and relatives have to discuss if the ailing patient is ready to be “released”.
Yesterday, for the first time since Mandela was admitted to hospital, the pool of visitors went beyond just family members with senior politicians and government ministers visiting.
Among them were Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa, who is a family friend. Holomisa arrived and left the hospital with Makaziwe.
Madiba’s grandson Ndaba, granddaughters Zoleka and Zaziwe and her husband David Manaway also spent time with him.
Security remained tight at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital. Handmade cards with get well messages, balloons and flowers continued to fill the security wall at one of the hospital.
This came as Mandela, whose condition was described as critical by the presidency on Sunday night, spent his 16th night in hospital.
Activity in Mthatha was also starting to grow, and yesterday two airlines, one which does not fly even to East London, expressed interest in flying to the newly refurbished Mthatha Airport.
Some residents were preparing to turn their homes into home-stay accommodation, as they said there might not be enough place in the village should the ailing icon die, according to the report.
Villagers, who did not want to be named, told the newspaper there were only three bed and breakfasts (B&B) in the village.
An employee at one of the residences said the house had been converted into a 10-room B&B and had previously accommodated many foreigners who came to the village to see Mandela’s home.
Nowinothi Geledwana, 63, told the newspaper she had previously rented out some rooms in her house and expected to do so again, should there be a demand.
“I have about three to four rooms that are available and can be rented out should people prefer home-stay accommodation in Qunu,” Geledwana was quoted as saying.
“I really don’t know how much I will charge for them, but I’m sure I will make some profit.”
Apart from accommodation provided by residents, the Nelson Mandela Museum in the village also had accommodation for 60 people, while there was a plush guesthouse less than 10km from Qunu. – The Sowetan