Johannesburg - The DA is saddened by the news of Nelson Mandela's declining health.
“The news from the presidency that former president Mandela is now in a 'critical' condition came as a blow to all South Africans,” Democratic Alliance spokesman Mmusi Maimane said on Monday.
The presidency announced on Sunday that the 94-year-old anti-apartheid icon's condition had become critical in the past 24 hours.
He has spent since June 8 at a Pretoria hospital in a serious condition with a recurring lung infection.
Maimane said: “We continue to keep Madiba and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
The DA thanked Mandela's medical team for the “exceptional job” they were doing and said the party continued to think of them as they cared for Madiba.
“We hope that Madiba is comfortable and peaceful at this time,” said Maimane.
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) general secretary Dennis George said: “We wish Madiba all the best in returning back to health.”
“Madiba showed all of us how transformational and servant leadership can add to the reconciliation of a nation.
“His legacy will prevail as somebody who showed us that only by transforming oneself, one can truly call for the transformation of others.”
George asked the media to report on Mandela's condition with sensitivity and respect. - Sapa