Mandela ‘stable though critical’: Mandla

A man paints a portrait of Nelson Mandela outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria.

A man paints a portrait of Nelson Mandela outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria.

Published Jun 27, 2013

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Pretoria - Former president Nelson Mandela's condition is stable though still critical, as the presidency announced, his grandson Mandla Mandela said on Thursday.

“Every improvement in my grandfather's health is cause for celebration for many of us,” he said in a statement.

He continued to be heartened by the messages of support for the ailing icon, but was disappointed by the few who continued to spread rumours about his health.

“I call upon those responsible to desist from spreading mischievous rumours about Madiba's state of health. Our government has been keeping all of us informed in this regard and there is no reason to doubt the accuracy of the information they provide to the public,” he said.

“At the end of the day my grandfather's fate, like that of everyone else, lies with God and our ancestors.”

Mandla Mandela visited his grandfather in hospital earlier on Thursday. He said the family continued to be grateful to government, the African National Congress, and the doctors in charge of Mandela's health during “this difficult period”.

The presidency announced around mid-afternoon on Thursday that Mandela's condition had improved during the night.

According to the presidency's statement: “President Jacob Zuma visited former president Nelson Mandela in hospital in Pretoria today, June 27, and was informed by the medical team that Madiba's condition has improved during the course of the night.

“He remains critical, but is now stable,” spokesman Mac Maharaj said. - Sapa

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