The scene outside the Pretoria hospital where former president Nelson Mandela is receiving treatment for a lung condition is like a giant ‘get well soon’ card to the man loved and respected by millions around the globe.
Crowds singing and dancing outside the hospital where Nelson Mandela is admitted. – image – The Public News Hub
The media has come to share the story of a nation’s prayers for the man who is a symbol of unity, equality and freedom.
International media keeps people abroad updated on the former president’s health. – image – The Public News Hub
The street leading to the entrance of the hospital has been barricaded to control vehicular and pedestrian traffic. People have come from far and wide to leave cards, gifts, letters and prayers for the man fondly called ‘Tata’.
A band of NUM member chanted “Relax, Madiba will get well soon, relax!”. – image – The Public News Hub
Mandela has been in hospital for nearly three weeks now. The night he was admitted it was reported that his condition was serious but stable. On Sunday, he was said to be in a critical condition. Earlier this week, CBS News, a respected news source, reported that Mandela went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated. It also reported that he hadn’t opened his eyes for days and had undergone two procedures, one to insert a tube into his body and another to repair a bleeding ulcer. Their report also revealed that Madiba’s kidney and liver functions were down to 50%. However, Maharaj repudiated this report.
Recent media reports have been unanimously indicating that Madiba’s condition is deteriorating. It has been affirmed that he is currently on life support. However on Thursday (27th), President Jacob Zuma said Madiba was getting better, bringing back hope to millions of people who are not ready to let go of him. 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 hospitalised.”
Below is a photo gallery of the scene outside the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria where Madiba is being treated:
The street outside the Pretoria hospital where former South African President Nelson Mandela is hospitalised is lined with tents housing the media and large vans full of broadcasting equipment. – image – The Public News Hub- The Pretoria hospital where Nelson Mandela is being treated. – image – The Public News Hub
- Members of an Ethiopian church came to pray for Madiba. – image – The Public News Hub
- The crowd joined Ethiopian church representatives in song and prayer outside the hospital. – image – The Public News Hub
- Letters and cards addressed to the ailing Nelson Mandela adorn the walls of the Pretoria hospital where he is currently receiving treatment for his lung condition. – image – The Public News Hub
- A collage of hand prints made by children is seen here among other letter and cards addressed to Nelson Mandela. – image – The Public News Hub
- Art inspired by Nelson Mandela. – image – The Public News Hub
Cards and flowers for Nelson Mandela line the hospital walls. – image – The Public News Hub
The South African Police Services control the crowd outside the hospital. – image – The Public News Hub- Young South African Bongani Maseko said: “It is all in God’s hands now.” – image – The Public News Hub
- This couple Thami Simelane (left) and Anela Qwemeshe (right) came all the way from Johannesburg to be close to Nelson Mandela as he battles his illness in hospital. – image – The Public News Hub
- Messages continue to pour in from all over the world for the ailing president. – image – The Public News Hub
- Members of the media outside the hospital. – image – The Public News Hub
