Archbishop visits Mandela
2013-06-25 17:32
Pretoria - Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba
has left the Pretoria hospital where former president Nelson Mandela is still
in a critical condition on Tuesday.
Makgoba left the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital through the
Park Street entrance in a dark Audi SUV.
A poster reading: "We [heart] you Mandela" was
erected outside the entrance alongside a message reading: "It only seems
impossible until it's done - Nelson Mandela".
At the Celliers Street entrance, businessman Kenny Kunene
arrived to place flowers and speak to the media.
After Kunene's visit, more Tshwane metro police officers
arrived at the entry point.
They cordoned off Celliers Street where it meets with
Park Street.
Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa arrived to check on
the police officers and left after a brief discussion with them.
Earlier in the day, the presidency confirmed that Mandela
remained in a critical condition.
"[Mandela's] condition remains unchanged in
hospital, and doctors continue to do their best to ensure his recovery,
wellbeing, and comfort," spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
Trainee police officers arrived at the hospital earlier
on Tuesday to leave flowers and offer their well-wishes to the critically ill
former president.
They arrived in a marked bus which blocked a part of Park
Street, and made their way to the entrance in Celliers Street.
A message from SAPS
Some of their messages quoted Bible verses. A tribute
read: "We as members of the SA Police Service [SAPS] believe there is
healing in Jesus, and we trust he will heal our beloved Madiba."
SAPS Academy commander Brigadier Noma Binqela said the
gesture was intended to extend sympathy and well-wishes to Mandela.
"We wanted them [trainees] to see that we are not
only police officers for crime, but we are part of the community of this country.
The flowers are the only way we can show our appreciation to our former
president," she said.
Businessman Calvern Hugo released about 60 white doves
near the Celliers Street entrance, in recognition of Mandela's contribution to
the country's freedom.
"It was a few minutes of sacrifice that we took out
of our busy schedules to say thank you for the sacrifices he took for the
nation as a whole," Hugo said.
Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela arrived
shortly after 12.30pm with her daughter Zindzi Mandela-Motlhajwa.
Other relatives were in a meeting called by some of
Mandela's children at his home in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape. Among those at the
homestead were Mandla Mandela, Thanduxolo Mandela, Ndaba Mandela and Ndileka
Mandela.
Family elder Napilisi Mandela confirmed they would
discuss delicate matters pertaining to the anti-apartheid icon.