Anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela was on life support in a Pretoria hospital late Wednesday, stated an official who had been briefed in detail on his condition. Considered the founding father of South Africa’s democracy, Mandela, 94, has been hospitalized since June 8 for a recurring lung infection.
Authorities have described his condition as critical since Sunday, and President Jacob Zuma stated earlier Wednesday that Mandela’s condition remained unchanged.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, the government stated Mandela’s doctors "continue to do their best to ensure his recovery, well-being and comfort."
As the nation remained on edge, police barricaded the street leading to the hospital’s main entrance. Well-wishers hung balloons, stuffed animals and messages of support along the wall outside his Pretoria hospital.
Crowds hovering nearby sang "Where is Mandela?" "We need you!," one sign read.
"We love you tata, get well soon!" stated another, referring to Mandela by the Xhosa word for father.
Someone else left a stone upon which was written, "Sending you light and love."
Several members of the family came out to collect some of those items Wednesday. "He’s going to feel a lot better when he sees these signs," stated David Manaway, Mandela’s grandson-in-law.
During the meeting in Qunu, funeral arrangements were not part of the talks, family friend Bantu Holomisa said, according to SAPA. As a former head of state, plans for Mandela’s funeral are spearheaded by the government, according to Holomisa.
Mandela turns 95 in July.