Mandela ‘using machines to breathe’

A well-wisher wears a pendant bearing the image of Nelson Mandela during a vigil outside the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital where the iconic statesman is being treated in Pretoria.

A well-wisher wears a pendant bearing the image of Nelson Mandela during a vigil outside the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital where the iconic statesman is being treated in Pretoria.

Published Jun 27, 2013

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Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has cancelled his scheduled trip to Mozambique, the Presidency said on Wednesday.

Zuma visited ailing former president Nelson Mandela in hospital at 10pm on Wednesday, and found him to be still in a critical condition, said spokesman Mac Maharaj.

“President Zuma was briefed by the doctors who are still doing everything they can to ensure his well-being.

“President Zuma has decided to cancel his visit to Maputo, Mozambique, tomorrow June 27, where he was due to attend a Southern African Development Community Summit regional infrastructure investment conference.”

Mandela, 94, was admitted to the Medi-Clinic Heart hospital in Pretoria on June 8 for a recurring lung infection.

On Wednesday night, a clan elder revealed that the anti-apartheid icon was on life support.

“Yes, he is using machines to breathe,” Napilisi Mandela told AFP after visiting Mandela. “It is bad, but what can we do.” - Sapa-AFP

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