By Baldwin Ndaba, Ndivhuwo Khangale and Aurelia Dyantyi
The Mandela family continue to rally around Nelson Mandela's son Makgatho, and have withdrawn from public engagements to be as close to him as possible.
Mandela will not be attending his annual Children's Christmas Party at Qunu in the Eastern Cape this weekend, a highlight for thousands of children, because he needs to be in Johannesburg to support his only surviving son.
On Thursday, when Winnie Madikizela-Mandela did not arrive for a Reconciliation Day event honouring miners in Carletonville, the official reason given was Makgatho's health.
| 'We have requested to be left alone during this time' |
A fortnight ago, Makgatho was admitted to the intensive care unit at Joburg's Linksfield Clinic in a critical condition, suffering from an undisclosed illness.
Family members have been mum on the nature of Makgatho's infirmity, but according to a source, he is suffering from a serious pancreatic illness and also had to have his gall bladder removed.
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The source said, however, that Makgatho was now responding well to treatment and that his condition was "definitely" improving.
Qunu, outside Umtata, was abuzz on Thursday with preparations for the annual children's Christmas party on Sunday.
It will be the first time in the 11 years of the party's existence that Mandela will not be handing out gifts to the hordes of children expected to attend. Instead, community leaders and trustees of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund will do the honours.
| 'We will come to you when we are ready' |
Unlike in past years, when Mandela hosted big names at the party, such as television talkshow host Oprah Winfrey, no celebrities are expected.
Instead the children themselves will be the stars of the show, with over 20 000 expected to pass the Mandela home's gates. This is a huge increase on the mere 250 children who attended the first party.
Mandela's spokesperson, Zelda la Grange, confirmed that he would not be attending the party due to his son's illness. She also said Makgatho's condition was improving.
On Thursday, residents of the far West Rand mining town of Carletonville were disappointed to hear that Madikizela-Mandela was unable to attend their Reconciliation Day celebration due to Makgatho's illness.
Makgatho's sister, Makaziwe Mandela, would not be drawn into discussing her brother's condition on Thursday night.
"We have requested to be left alone during this time. The family are going through a tough time and we hope you respect that. We have said that we will come to you when we are ready," she said.
- This article was originally published on page 1 of The Star on December 17, 2004
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