Pretoria - Former president Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela paid the ailing statesman another visit on Tuesday, at the Pretoria hospital where he spent an 11th day of treatment.
She and her daughter Zindzi left the Medi-Clinic Heart hospital after 4pm in a black Audi A5 flashing blue police lights.
They had spent hours in the hospital where Mandela, 94, was admitted for a recurring lung infection on June 8. At the time of his admission the presidency said he was in a “serious but stable” condition.
Police maintained security at the hospital, and several officers searched all vehicles going through its two entrances.
Mandela's other daughter Makaziwe was also at the hospital on Tuesday.
A group of well-wishers from the Johannesburg-based Alpha World Ministries' elderly day care centre held a brief prayer session at the hospital.
“We came to strengthen him. We still need him so much in this country. He fought a good fight and we are here to say that race is not yet over,” said the centre's director Maureen Sibadela.
“He must stand up and walk. His was a good walk. He should hold on a little longer. We cannot let go of him, not now.”
She said the elderly adored Madiba so much that even those with physical difficulties had made the trip from Soweto to Pretoria.
“The people you see here, their age is from 92 years. Some have had (a) stroke and can hardly speak, but they said I am going to Pretoria and I am going to say something (at the hospital),” said Sibadela.
Well-wishers adorned the hospital entrance with cards, flowers, balloons, and flags.
Some of the hand-made cards are in the shape of palms, some carry small pictures of Mandela, and others are decorated with red roses. Multicoloured balloons and the South African flag bear messages wishing Mandela a speedy recovery. - Sapa