News crews gather at Mandela’s hospital

A print of Nelson Mandela and get well messages hanged outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where former South African President Nelson Mandela is being treated in Pretoria, South Africa Monday, June 24, 2013. Mandela, who is still in hospital, has become critical,” said presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj in a statement. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

A print of Nelson Mandela and get well messages hanged outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where former South African President Nelson Mandela is being treated in Pretoria, South Africa Monday, June 24, 2013. Mandela, who is still in hospital, has become critical,” said presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj in a statement. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Published Jun 25, 2013

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Pretoria - Scores of journalists were milling around outside the Pretoria hospital on Tuesday morning where a critical Nelson Mandela is being treated for a recurring lung infection.

At midnight, the news crews made up of mainly international broadcasters, were doing live crossings near one of the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital's entrances on Celliers Street.

More than 40 cars, including outside broadcast vans, crowded the parking bays outside.

Several generators for back-up power were running through the night and broadcasting equipment, including huge lights and cameras, had been set up.

The hospital's Celliers Street entrance was closed and there was minimal activity at the other entrance on Park Street, with only a few reporters camping nearby.

Several police cars were patrolling the area and a Tshwane metro police car was parked near the fleet of journalists.

Numerous Mandela family members, politicians and government officials have been visiting the anti-apartheid icon.

Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe left the hospital on Monday night.

Sisulu arrived at the hospital just after 6pm in a black Mercedes with blue flashing police lights. She and Makaziwe Mandela left just before 8pm.

Some of Mandela's relatives left the hospital earlier in the day.

First seen leaving on Monday after a visit was grandson Ndaba Mandela, who arrived shortly after Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and daughter Zindzi Mandela-Motlhajwa.

Earlier in the day, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa arrived separately at the hospital.

On Sunday night, presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement that Mandela's condition had turned critical.

Addressing the media in a briefing on Monday, President Jacob Zuma said Mandela's condition had not changed.

“Mandela remains in a critical condition in hospital and doctors are doing everything possible to ensure his well-being and comfort,” Zuma said in Johannesburg.

He and deputy African National Congress president Cyril Ramaphosa visited Mandela at the hospital on Sunday night. - Sapa

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