Nelson Mandela's condition is quickly deteriorating. Earlier in the week, Mandela was listed in critical condition over a recurring lung infection, and has reportedly been placed on life support.
Five "highly-placed " sources "close to the family" told The Citizen newspaper of the anti-Apartheid leader's status, which has yet to be updated publicly. "He is on a ventilation life support and his kidney function is very low. He is critical, but has a entire team of doctors, from a cardiac specialist, pulmonary specialist, kidney specialist and a main consultant looking after him," a source said.
Two of the five people claimed to have visited the 94-year-old in the Pretoria hospital where's he's been admitted. In addition to the previous ailments, Mandela is said to be suffering from kidney failure and undergoing renal dialysis for three hours at a time, every other day. Family members remain at Mandela's bedside and have allegdly been given the option to remove him from life support.
Zindzi Mandela, the former Souther African president's daughter, said her father "opened his eyes," and "gave a smile," upon hearing the President Obama would be visiting the country. The commander in chief and First Lady Michelle Obama are en route to the continent for an eight-day trip costing taxpayers as much as $100 million
***UPDATE from 2 News***
Nelson Mandela's health improved overnight and although his condition remains critical it is now stable, the South African government said Thursday. One of the former president's daughters said he was still opening his eyes and reacting to the touch of his family even though his situation was precarious.
The report that the health of the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader had taken a turn for the better came amid a growing sense in South Africa that Mandela was approaching the end of his life. Well-wishers have delivered flowers and messages of support to the Pretoria hospital where he is being treated, and prayer sessions were held around the country on Thursday.
President Jacob Zuma's office said in a statement that he received the encouraging update from the medical team that is treating Mandela. Zuma had canceled an international trip on Thursday, instead visiting Mandela for the second time in two days.
"I canceled my visit to Mozambique today so that I can see him and confer with the doctors," Zuma said in the statement. "He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night."
In April, Zuma gave an overly upbeat assessment about Mandela's condition. At that time, state television broadcast footage of a visit by Zuma and other political leaders to Mandela's home. Zuma said at the time that Mandela was in good shape, but the footage showed him silent and unresponsive, even when Zuma tried to hold his hand.
Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years during white racist rule and became president in all-race elections in 1994, was taken to a hospital on June 8 for what the government said was a recurring lung infection.
Zuma urged people to pray for Mandela, and continue with their work and daily activities even while he is hospitalized.
For more updates please visit: http://www.ktvn.com/story/22704122/south-africa-nelson-mandela-improved-overnight
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