South Africa: Family members visit critically ill Nelson Mandela at the hospital

JOHANNESBURG – Members of Nelson Mandela’s family as well as South African Cabinet ministers have visited the hospital where the 94-year-old former president is critically ill.

One of Mandela’s daughters, Makaziwe Mandela, was among family members who arrived at the Pretoria hospital on Friday. The ministers of health and defence also visited, the South African Press Association reported.

The anti-apartheid leader was taken to the hospital on June 8 to be treated for what the government said was a recurring lung infection. South Africans have held prayers nationwide, and many have left flowers and messages of support outside the hospital as well as his home in Johannesburg.

On Thursday, the office of South African President Jacob Zuma said Mandela’s health had improved overnight, and that his condition was critical but stable.