/ 15 June 2013

Security remains tight as Madiba spends eighth day in hospital

Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela.

Local and international media were camped outside the two entrances of the Mediclinic Heart Hospital, in Pretoria on Saturday.

Family members arrived at the hospital shortly after 11.30am in two separate cars.

Security remained tight with police officers searching vehicles before they entered the hospital.

Mandela was admitted to the hospital last Saturday, after his condition deteriorated at about 1.30am.

A group of people aged between seven and 23-years-old, from the Speed Taekwondo club in Pretoria, brought flowers and placards with the South African flag and their names to the hospital on Saturday, to wish Mandela a speedy recovery.

"We are here for Madiba because he is sick in hospital and we want to wish him to get well soon," 10-year-old Connor Harley said.

Seven-year-old Marnus Calitz said he loved Mandela. His sister Denice (10) said: "I hope Madiba gets well soon."

The group did a few routines for the media outside one of the entrances to the hospital.

'Celebrate Madiba'
"We came here to celebrate Madiba. He has done so much for us and we wish he gets better," 14-year-old Junior Mdakane told reporters.

Aman Adam (10) said: "We wish Madiba all the best to get well soon.

Placards stuck up next to the hospital sign read: "We need you Tata Madiba" and "Get well soon Tata" with balloons and flowers on the gate.

On Friday, Mandela's former wife and MP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela visited with her daughter Zindzi. His granddaughter Tukwini and three other relatives also visited.

The presidency had described Mandela's condition as "serious, but stable".

President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize, visited him on Thursday.

"Madiba's health continues to improve but his condition remains serious," Zuma said in a statement issued afterwards. – Sapa