Legend ... former SA President Nelson Mandela The anti-apartheid legend, 94 — in hospital since June 8 — has been battling a serious lung infection.
The South African government said it was a “difficult time” for the country’s former president and its first black leader, known locally as Madiba.
A statement from President Jacob Zuma’s office said: “The condition of former President Nelson Mandela, who is still in hospital in Pretoria, has become critical.
“President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by ANC Deputy President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, visited the former President this evening. They were briefed by the medical team who informed them that the President’s condition had become critical over the past 24 hours.
“The doctors are doing everything possible to get his condition to improve and are ensuring that Madiba is well-looked after and is comfortable. He is in good hands.”
Mr Zuma “appealed to the nation and the world to pray for Madiba, the family and the medical team attending to him”.
He also confirmed that an ambulance taking Mr Mandela to a hospital at the start of the month broke down and was delayed for 40 minutes.
But he added: “There were seven doctors in the convoy who were in full control of the situation throughout the period.
“He had expert medical care. The fully equipped military ICU ambulance had a full complement of specialist staff including intensive care specialists and ICU nurses.”
