Nelson Mandela

Mandela stabilises, 'still critical'

27 June 2013

Nelson Mandela's condition has stabilised, although he still remains critical, South Africa's Presidency said on Thursday after President Jacob Zuma visited the elder statesman in hospital in Pretoria.

"He remains critical but is now stable," the Presidency said in a statement.

The 94-year-old elder statesman has been receiving treatment for a recurring lung infection since being admitted to hospital on 8 June, making this the longest period he has ever spent in hospital.

Zuma, after visiting the hospital on Thursday afternoon, said the medical team had informed him that Mandela's condition had improved during the course of the night.

On Wednesday, following a late-night visit, Zuma cancelled a planned trip to Mozambique. He had been due to attend an SADC Regional Summit on Infrastructure Investment in Maputo on Thursday.

"I cancelled my visit to Mozambique today so that I could see him and confer with the doctors," Zuma said. "He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night. The medical team continues to do a sterling job.

"We must pray for Tata's health and wish him well. We must also continue with our work and daily activities while Madiba remains hospitalised."

The Presidency said it was disturbed by the swirl of rumours being spread about Mandela's condition, and appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of Mandela and his family.

The local and international media contingent camped outside the hospital swelled even further when it was reported last weekend that Mandela's condition had deteriorated.

Meanwhile, the show of love for Mandela from ordinary citizens has been ongoing, with young and old united in showing support for the country's beloved former stateman, and the wall at the hospital entrance covered with well wishes.

"When I first heard of the news that Madiba has been admitted to the hospital, I started praying for his recovery," well-wisher Johan Oosthuisen told SAnews.

Lesego Moale, aged 8, told SAnews that she had come to the hospital to wish Madiba well. "I love Madiba because he fought for the country," she said, holding a piece of paper with the message, "Get well Madiba".

SAnews.gov.za and SAinfo reporter

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