Pretoria - South Africans appeared resigned on Monday to the inevitability of one day saying goodbye to Nelson Mandela after the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader's condition in hospital deteriorated to critical.
Madiba, as he is affectionately known, is revered among most of SA's 53 million people as the architect of the peaceful 1994 transition to multi-racial democracy after three centuries of white domination.
However, with his latest hospitalisation - his fourth in six months - a realisation has set in that he will not be around for ever.
His deterioration this weekend, two weeks after being admitted in a serious but stable condition with a lung infection, has caused a perceptible switch in mood from prayers for recovery to preparations for a fond farewell.
“If it's his time to go, he can go. I wish God can look after him,” said nurse Petunia Mafuyeka, as she headed to work in Johannesburg.
“We will miss him very much. He fought for us to give us freedom. We will remember him every day. When he goes I will cry.”
In a statement, President Jacob Zuma's office the country and the world to pray for Mandela “during this difficult time”. But there was some concern among the public about doctors trying to prolong the life of one of the 20th century's most influential figures.
“I'm worried that they're keeping him alive. I feel they should let him go,” said Doris Lekalakala, a claims manager. “The man is old. Let nature take its course. He must just rest.” - Reuters