Post date: Jul 04, 2013 3:21:57 PM
Nelson Mandela's wife Graca Machel says her husband is rarely in pain, but may sometimes be "uncomfortable", as she speaks at a launch ceremony in Johannesburg.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (JULY 4, 2013) (SABC) - The wife of South Africa's ailing former president Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel, said on Thursday (July 4) that her husband's condition, was sometimes "uncomfortable" but generally "fine".
Mandela has spent more than three weeks battling a lung infection, and is being treated in a Pretoria hospital. In a court affidavit filed last week his eldest daughter,Makaziwe, said her father was in a "perilous" condition and breathing with the aid of life-support.But speaking at the launch of the Nelson Mandela Sport & Culture Day 2013, Machel gave updated details of how he was faring
"Although Madiba sometimes may be uncomfortable, very few times he is in pain. But he is fine," she said, using Mandela's clan name.
Machel said the Mandela family appreciated the support the anti-apartheid leader had received since he entered hospital.
"The outpouring and the humbling demonstrations of love, of care, of support of hope are taken into our hearts every single day. They are not unnoticed, and it is simply important that we find occasions where we tell every single person who has humbled himself or herself to pray, to focus hearts on Madiba and on us as a family to wish him well, to wish him healing," she said.
The faltering health of the 94-year-old, a figure admired globally as a symbol of struggle against injustice and racism, has reinforced a realisation that the father of the post-apartheid South Africa will not be around for ever.
Family members and President Jacob Zuma visited Mandela in the PretoriaMediClinic hospital on Thursday, as well-wishers delivered supportive messages, prayers and songs.
"We really miss him, want to see his smile, want to hear his words, want to hear anything that he wants to share with us, especially as we are heading towards his birthday. We hope by then he'll be at home so that all of us are able to celebrate with him," said Faith Mazebuko from the African National Congress' Women's League outside the hospital.
Mandela is due to mark his 95th birthday on July 18.