Mandela Critically Ill, Says S’African Presidency

Nelson Mandela

By Paul Ohia with agency report

The condition of former South African president, Nelson Mandela, who is still in hospital in Pretoria, has become critical.

In a statement issued by the South African presidency, President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by ANC Deputy President, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, visited the former president yesterday evening in hospital. They were briefed by the medical team who informed them that the former president's condition had become critical over the past 24 hours.

The president and Mr. Ramaphosa also met with Mrs. Graca Machel at the hospital and discussed Madiba's condition.

"The doctors are doing everything possible to get his condition to improve and are ensuring that Madiba is well-looked after and is comfortable. He is in good hands,” said Zuma.

The president and Mr. Ramaphosa were assured by the doctors that when the ambulance transporting former President Mandela to hospital on June 8 developed engine problems, all care was taken to ensure that his medical condition was not compromised.

"There were seven doctors in the convoy who were in full control of the situation throughout the period. He had expert medical care. The fully equipped military Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulance had a full complement of specialist medical staff including intensive care specialists and ICU nurses. The doctors also dismissed the media reports that Madiba suffered cardiac arrest. There is no truth at all in that report," said Zuma.

Zuma has appealed to the nation and the world to pray for Madiba, the family and the medical team that is attending to him during this difficult time.