Former South African President Nelson Mandela's health has taken a turn for the worse and is now in critical condition NBC's Keir Simmons reports.
Nelson Mandela remained in critical condition on Monday after his condition deteriorated in hospital over the weekend.
The doctors are doing everything possible to ensure his well being and comfort President Jacob Zuma told a news conference on Monday.
Zuma and African National Congress Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the anti apartheid icon at the Pretoria hospital on Sunday and were briefed on his condition by the medical team. They asked the world to pray for the 94 year old former president and his family during this difficult time.
Dai Kurokawa / EPA
A portrait of former South African President Nelson Mandela rests against the wall as messages written by visitors are seen on the wall at Regina Mundi church in Soweto township a flashpoint during the anti apartheid struggle in Johannesburg South Africa on Sunday.
Mandela who has been in the hospital with a lung infection since June 8 had been in serious but stable condition but was downgraded over the weekend officials said.
In Washington the White House National Security Council spokeswoman noted the latest reports from the South African government about the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's worsening condition.
Our thoughts and prayers are with him his family and the people of South Africa spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.
In the statement Zuma addressed reports that the ambulance that took Mandela to the hospital earlier this month broke down on the way saying that the delay did not compromise his health.
There were seven doctors in the convoy who were in full control of the situation throughout the period. He had expert medical care his statement said.
The fully equipped military ICU ambulance had a full complement of specialist medical staff including intensive care specialists and ICU nurses. The doctors also dismissed the media reports that Madiba suffered cardiac arrest. There is no truth at all in that report.
Related
All white town fights to preserve segregation in Mandela's 'Rainbow Nation' Mandela's visible legacy Interracial couples no longer need to hide What will happen to 'Rainbow Nation' once its icon Mandela dies
This story was originally published on Mon Jun 24 2013 3 06 AM EDT
No comments:
Post a Comment