Nelson Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe has said that Madiba’s health has worsened, and lashed out at the media for its intrusive coverage of his health.
With journalists and support crews sitting idle as the world waits for updates on Nelson Mandela, some editors have become desperate for an exclusive.
President Jacob Zuma on Monday morning confirmed to journalists and editors that former president Nelson Mandela remains in a critical condition.
Much like the US, South Africa spies on its own citizens illegally, and continues to do so despite knowing the spying cannot be justified.
Every time Nelson Mandela is admitted to hospital his state of health makes headlines around the world, and well-wishers arrive from far and wide.
After communication from Graça Machel and Nelson Mandela’s children, the focus seems to have shifted to his discharge from hospital this week.
Members of the Mandela family have for the first time gathered well-wishes from outside the Pretoria hospital where Nelson Mandela is being treated.
In terms of both legislation and practical reality, South Africans have faced far closer scrutiny of their private communication than US citizens.
There was no news from Parliament on the health of Nelson Mandela on Thursday, although Jacob Zuma mentioned him several times in a 46-minute speech.
Healing has taken on a different connotation at Regina Mundi, where the bulk of the Soweto congregation seems prepared to let go of beloved Madiba.