Prayers for Mandela, 94, ‘seriously ill’ in hospital

The 94-year-old former South African president was admitted to a hospital in Pretoria in the early hours of Saturday in a “serious but stable condition”, according to the office of the current president, Jacob Zuma. His family was at his bedside.

Mr Mandela has a history of problems with the illness and has been admitted to hospital several times this year.

People across South Africa held prayers yesterday and some left messages outside his home in Johannesburg.

His wife Graca Machel cancelled an appearance at a high-profile hunger summit in London yesterday to be with her husband.

She was due to address the Nutrition for Growth meeting along with dozens of African leaders, non-governmental organisations and charities, as well as speakers such as Bill Gates and Justine Greening, Secretary of State for International Development.

Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for Mr Zuma’s office, said on Saturday: “During the past few days former president Nelson Mandela has had a recurrence of lung infection. This morning at about 1.30am his condition deteriorated and he was transferred to a Pretoria hospital.

“He remains in a serious but stable condition.

“The former president is receiving expert medical care and doctors are doing everything possible to make him better and comfortable.

“President Jacob Zuma, on behalf of government and the nation, wishes Madiba a speedy recovery and requests the media and the public to respect the privacy of Madiba and his family.”