/ 22 June 2013

Family members stream in to visit Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela.

Mandela's ex-wife ANC MP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela arrived at the Medi-Clinic Heart hospital in Arcadia, east of Pretoria.

She was with her daughter Zindzi Mandela-Motlhajwa.

Madiba's daughter, Makaziwe drove into the hospital in her red Range Rover.

Earlier, a group of Mandela's relatives arrived at the hospital led by Zaziwe Dlamini-Mandela's husband American businessperson David Manaway.

Zaziwe is a granddaughter of the ailing anti-apartheid icon.

At least six police officers were searching all vehicles entering the hospital. Drivers were being asked to open luggage compartments for officers to search the cars.

Across the busy Park Street, scores of journalists were camped outside the hospital.

Four cameras were filming activities at the Medi-Clinic Heart hospital's entrance.

At least six broadcast vehicles were stationed near the facility's other entrance on Celliers Street.

Ambulance broke down
Earlier on Saturday, the presidency confirmed that the military ambulance that transported Mandela to hospital two weeks ago broke down due to "engine problems".

"All care was taken to ensure that Madiba's medical condition was not compromised by the unforeseen incident," spokesperson Mac Maharaj said.

"Doctors attending to Madiba are satisfied that the former president suffered no harm during this period."

Mandela (94) was hospitalised in the early hours of June 8 with a recurring lung infection.

On Friday, United States-based CBS News reported that Mandela's liver and kidneys were functioning at 50%, and that the ailing former statesperson had two procedures, one to repair a bleeding ulcer and another to insert a tube.

According to the report, Mandela had not opened his eyes in days and was unresponsive.

However, Maharaj said the presidency has been the "source for authoritative reporting on Mandela's health".

'We avoid clinical details'
"Our reports are based on the reports we receive from doctors. We avoid clinical details because we want to ensure no transgression into the privacy of Mandela and his family is ensured," Maharaj said.

"The presidency needs to ensure the dignity of the former president and need to ensure the circumstances are not surrounded by undignified speculative reports." He said Mandela remained in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

The ANC said on Saturday that the presidency had been consistent in keeping South Africa and the world informed of Mandela's health condition.

"The presidency has been consistent and reliable in ensuring that the nation and the world is kept informed on developments relating to our beloved statement and icon, Comrade Nelson Mandela," spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said.

"The ANC has no doubt that the reports they provide are indeed sufficient to ensure that, while respecting the privacy of the former president and his family, we are all kept up-to-date and knowledgeable about his condition within the confines of medical ethics and doctor-patient confidentiality."

Mthembu said the ANC have no doubt that Mandela continued to receive the "very best medical care and attention". – Sapa