Nelson Mandela's health improved overnight and although his condition remains critical it is now stable, the South African government said Thursday. One of the former president's daughters said he was still opening his eyes and reacting to the touch of his family even though his situation was precarious.
The atmosphere in South Africa remains uncertain as 94-year-old anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nobel Prize winner, politician, who served as a president between 1994 and 1999, remains in a critical condition. The current South African president Jacob Zuma said “I cancelled my visit to Mozambique today so that I could see him and confer with the doctors. He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night. The medical team continues to do a sterling job. We must pray for Tata’s health and wish him well. We must also continue with our work and daily activities while Madiba remains hospitalized. ’’
South Africa’s first Black president has been in the hospital since June 8th when he was admitted in a hospital in Pretoria on June 8th. While President Zuma cancelled his visit, Mandela’s daughter, Makaziwe, said he was “still there” and was responsive to touch although he was having trouble breathing. He has been undergoing treatment for lung infection, renal dialysis at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital. She further said, "He doesn't look good, I'm not going to lie and continued, “All I pray for as a daughter is that the transition is smooth. He is at peace with himself. He has given so much to the world. I believe he is at peace.”
His grand daughter, Ndileka Mandela, further commented on Mandela’s health situation, "He's stable and we'd like to say that we thank everybody for giving their support and praying with us. We are anxious, as you know that he is critical but he's in a stable condition right now. It's been hard, especially because of all of this – that we have to do everything in the public eye.” Napilisi Mandela, the clan elder told the Globe and Mail, that the family is faced with a critical decision over how long they should continue his life support and further said, “He is using machines to breathe. It is bad, but what can we do.”
Mandela waving to the cheering crowd
According to the Telegraph, the people in Mandela’s native village, Qunu in the Eastern Cape province have gathered together outside of their homes to sing songs and pray for his good will. The Globe and Mail also reported that for years, the South African government had been outraged by any discussion of Mandela’s death but has now recognized the shift in the somber public mood that is ready to accept his looming death. Outside of the hospital, there have been supporters sang hymns for the father of South Asian democracy.
Nelson Rohilahla Mandela, born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918. In 1944, he joined the Africa National Congress and participated in resistance against the ruling National Party’s apartheid against the ruling National Party’s apartheid policies after 1948. Between 1956 and 1961, he went on trial for treason but was acquitted in 1961. He was incarcerated between 1964 and 1982 at Robin Island Prison off Cape Town. While he was at the prison, he gained reputation as being a symbol of resistance.
He is respected and revered among other famous world leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Malcom X, and Rosa Parks who are known worldwide for their contributions to fight for equal rights and peace among their communities and countries! While his health remains unstable, we wish him a successful recovery!
Source: The Prescidency.gov, NDTV, the Globe and Mail, Nobel Prize, Telegraph, the Huffington Post, and BBC
Feature Image Source: Ken Faught/Toronto Star via Getty Images
Image Source: NDTV, Inquistr
Anokhi Blog, Anokhi Media, Mahatma Gandhi, Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Nelson Mandela Life Support, Nobel Prize Winner, Rosa Parks, South African President
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City