Johannesburg - The DA is saddened by the news of former
president Nelson Mandela's declining health.
"The news from the presidency that former president
Mandela is now in a 'critical' condition came as a blow to all South
Africans," Democratic Alliance spokesperson Mmusi Maimane said on Monday.
The presidency announced on Sunday that the 94-year-old
anti-apartheid icon's condition had become critical in the past 24 hours.
He has been in a Pretoria hospital in a serious condition
with a recurring lung infection since 8 June.
Maimane said: "We continue to keep Madiba and his
family in our thoughts and prayers."
The DA thanked Mandela's medical team for the
"exceptional job" they were doing and said the party continued to
think of them as they cared for Madiba.
"We hope that Madiba is comfortable and peaceful at
this time," said Maimane.
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) general
secretary Dennis George said: "We wish Madiba all the best in returning
back to health."
"Madiba showed all of us how transformational and
servant leadership can add to the reconciliation of a nation.
"His legacy will prevail as somebody who showed us that
only by transforming oneself, one can truly call for the transformation of
others."
George asked the media to report on Mandela's condition with
sensitivity and respect.
