Nelson Mandela’s wife Graca Machel has thanked the world for its support as Mandela recovers in hospital. Below is what she said in a statement published by the Nelson Mandela Center of Memory:
“Madiba once said: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made in the lives of others..” I have thought of his words on each occasion the world stood with him, making a difference to him, in his healing.
So much love and generosity from South Africans, Africans across the continent, and thousands more from across the world, have come our way to lighten the burden of anxiety; bringing us love, comfort and hope.
The messages have come by letter, by SMS, by phone, by twitter, by Facebook, by email, cards, flowers and the human voice, in particular the voices of children in schools or singing outside our home. We have felt the closeness of the world and the deepest meaning of strength and peace.
Our gratitude is difficult to express. But the love and peace we feel give yet more life to the simple “Thank you!”
Mrs Graca Machel”
Mandela is spending his ninth day in hospital after being admitted last week for a recurring lung infection. Although Graca did not provide details on the current condition of her husband, President Jacob Zuma said he is getting better, although his condition remains serious. “We are grateful that he continues to get better. Over the last two days, although remains serious, his doctors have stated that his improvement has been sustained,” Zuma said on Sunday.
