The family of Nelson Mandela said they believed he was “at peace” today as the anti-apartheid leader remained critically ill in a South African hospital.
As doctors treat the 94-year-old for a recurring lung infection the country was urged not to cling to “false hopes”. One of Mr Mandela’s daughters, Makaziwe Mandela, said: “He has given so much to the world. I believe he is at peace.”
South African president Jacob Zuma said: “He is the man we all love. We should accept he is old. We should pray for him. Honour him and his life.”
Mr Zuma’s official spokesman added: “I think there is a need to be sombre about the news. There is a need not to hold out false hopes but at the same time let’s keep him in our thoughts and let’s will him more strength.”
Madiba, as Mr Mandela is known, was rushed to hospital in Pretoria 16 days ago suffering from lung infection. It was his third emergency hospitalisation this year. His wife, Graca Michel, has kept a near constant vigil at his bedside since he was admitted.
There has been intense global interest in the former South African president’s condition but official updates have been few and often confused.
It was only over the weekend that South Africa’s government confirmed that the military ambulance which took Mr Mandela to hospital on 8 June broke down en route. He had to be transferred to another ambulance.
Just three days ago, President Zuma’s spokesman said that Mr Mandela’s condition had improved to the extent that he would soon be able to return home.
There has been no official response to a report by the American news network CBS that Mr Mandela has been “unresponsive for days”.
President Zuma said today that he had seen Mr Mandela in hospital last night but that he had been asleep. Mr Zuma said he had had discussions with Mr Mandela’s doctors and with his wife.
