NONTOBEKO MTSHALI, SOLLY MAPHUMULO AND SAPA
He is responding well to medication and on seeing an old comrade greeted him with his trademark, “Hello, hello, hello”.
Yesterday as the nation responded positively to a call to pray for Nelson Mandela, visitors streamed in at his Houghton, Joburg, home where media crews remained outside.
The Surgeon General of the South African Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Vejay Ramlakan, said yesterday: “This morning the medical team looking after the former President has reported that he has had a restful and peaceful night.”
He said the 24-hour care and close monitoring from a team of specialists would continue.
A little girl was also seen delivering a “get well” card for Mandela to one of the security guards in the late afternoon. Mandela’s visitors have been restricted to family, close friends and medical staff.
Earlier yesterday Brigadier-General Zola Dabula said as he stepped out of Mandela’s home that Mandela, 92, was “fine”.
Mandela’s grandson Mandla was among the first to pop in for a visit. During the day Rivonia treason trialist Andrew Mlangeni, who served time with Mandela on Robben Island, arrived.
“He looks bright,” Mlangeni said after almost an hour with Mandela, who is recovering from a respiratory infection.
“They say he is responding well to treatment and what pleased me most, he is able to recognise us.”
Like Mandela, Mlangeni was sentenced to life imprisonment for his part in the Struggle against apartheid.
The sprightly Mlangeni took a minute to speak to the media. This, in contrast to the statement made at his trial when he would only admit to being part of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the militant wing of the then banned ANC.
At the time, Mlangeni said that if he testified he would be giving away the details of people he had met and places he had been to.
“Every now and then he opens his eyes and says ‘hello, hello, hello’,” Mlangeni said, smiling as he mimicked the way Mandela usually greeted people. Mlangeni left as relatives of Mandela’s wife, Graça Machel, walked over from their house nearby for a visit.
Among those seen at the house were Mandela’s long-time aide Zelda la Grange, who strolled along the pavement with a man.
She also said he was fine.
Mandela had a quiet start to the day with joggers, dog-walkers and the occasional cruiser breaking the Sunday silence, which was in contrast to the frenzy that took place while he was treated for an acute respiratory infection in Milpark Hospital, which was fuelled by an information blackout.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has acknowledged that the flow of information could have been better. Sunday newspapers have reported the vacuum was because of disagreements over how the matter should have been handled.
A doctor, who is believed to be a part of Madiba’s private medical team, gave journalists a thumbs-up sign when asked about Madiba’s condition.
In Soweto, young and old prayed for Mandela’s speedy recovery at the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, where Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane lit a candle.
Little Nhlanhla Mazibuko was among scores of congregants.
Speaking softly, the 6-year-old said she heard in the news that Mandela was in hospital.
“I don’t want him to get sick, I will take him to a doctor,” said Nhlanhla, pointing at a window bearing Mandela’s picture.
At the beginning of the mass Father Ben Mahlangu announced that it was dedicated to praying for Mandela and to motivate youngsters to study.
“We pray for Tata Mandela. We are 15 years into democracy because of him,” Mahlangu said.
Mokonyane, a Catholic, said: “We pray that Madiba lives for another moment. We are asking God to relieve him of the pain.
“We continue to say thank you to the Madiba family for having given us an icon that identifies with everyone,” said Mokonyane.
Speaking to The Mercury Mokonyane, recalled how they converged on the same church to call for the release of Mandela. She said that when she visited Mandela on Saturday, he was fine.
“He was resting,” she said.
Congregant Emma Sibanyoni said her family started praying the moment they heard that Mandela had been admitted to hospital.
“I want Mandela to live for many more years. His sacrifice changed our lives forever. I have seen people who live until they are 115 years old.” Sibanyoni said.
People should stop talking about Mandela as if he were dead, ANC treasurer general Mathews Phosa said yesterday.
“The national leadership of the ANC will continue to celebrate and feel Mandela’s moral support,” he said at a prayer meeting for Mandela in East London.
Earlier, President Jacob Zuma told the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that Mandela had taught the world of the importance of unity, forgiveness and reconciliation.
“We wish him a long life and good health, as he continues to age with dignity and inspire all of us to strive to be better people each day,” Zuma told the African leaders. 8 P11