Qunu, Eastern Cape - Residents from the small Eastern Cape village of Qunu were shocked after hearing former President Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital on Saturday.
Malunga Mbokodi, 62, who lives 1km from Mandela's Qunu home, said he was shocked when he heard the news on the radio.
“I was shocked to hear from the radio this morning that he was again in hospital,” Mbokodi said.
“But again we cannot trust the media because last time the media was reporting wrongly, saying Mandela was in hospital, while the government said he was not in that hospital, so who do you believe.
“I think, we should just accept it that Mandela is old and he will go soon.”
Earlier, the presidency said Mandela was in a “serious but stable” condition. He was admitted to a Pretoria hospital due to a recurring lung infection.
“This morning at about 1.30am his condition deteriorated and he was transferred to a Pretoria hospital,” spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
Maharaj said doctors were doing everything they could to make Mandela “better and comfortable”.
The Mandela family in Qunu were waiting for Mandla Mandela, the elder statesman's grandson, to arrive at the Mvezo royal palace.
Mandla was expected to brief the Mandela elders on the latest developments concerning his grandfather.
One of the Mandela family elders, Napilisi Mandela said he received news of Mandela’s hospitalisation this morning.
“I must say Mthembu, I was shocked that Dalibhunga is back in hospital... I am here in Mvezo waiting to meet Mandla, who I believe is now journeying from Mthatha,” Napilisi said.
Media had started gathering in Qunu.
A few reporters had positioned themselves outside keeping a careful watch on the Mandela residence. - Sapa