Balloons and letters wishing former South African president Nelson Mandela well are displayed at the entrance of the Mediclinic hospital on June 24, 2013. After intensive treatment at the Pretoria hospital and some signs of improvement, his condition deteriorated/AFP
JOHANNESBURG, Jun 24 – Nelson Mandela remains in a critical condition in hospital, South African president Jacob Zuma said Monday, stressing doctors were doing their best to make the anti-apartheid hero comfortable.
“Former president Mandela remains in a critical condition in hospital. The doctors are doing everything possible to ensure his well being and comfort,” Zuma said.
Zuma reported that the 94-year-old’s health had deteriorated over the weekend, after he visited the icon’s bedside late Sunday.
“Given the hour that we got to the hospital it was late, he was already asleep,” Zuma said.
“(We) saw him and then we had a bit of discussion with the doctors and his wife Graca Machel.”
Zuma declined to give details about the health of his predecessor, who was rushed to hospital 17 days ago with a recurring lung infection.
“I don’t think I’m in a position to give further details, I am not a doctor. That is what I informed the country and the world and that remains the case for now,” Zuma said.
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