Nursing union Denosa sent former president Nelson Mandela well wishes for his
treatment in Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, saying ?Mandela, a genuine
humanitarian, has inspired people from every corner of the globe to embrace the
values that have embodied his life.?
Asanda Fongqo, spokesperson for the Democratic Nursing Union of SA, said,
?Denosa joins millions of people around the world in wishing struggle stalwart,
elderly statesman and our first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela
a speedy recovery. Mandela, a genuine humanitarian, has inspired people from
every corner of the globe to embrace the values that have embodied his life. He
remains a valuable asset and a benchmark of what leadership should be, not only
to the country but to the entire universe.?
Acting president Kgalema Motlanthe issued a statement reporting respiratory
problems in the lauded Mandela, but tried to soothe the public, saying,
?Medically, there is no need to panic. Dr Mandela suffers from an ailment common
to people of his age, and conditions that have developed over years.? Motlanthe
added, ?We may recall that he has suffered from tuberculosis whilst on Robben
Island and has had previous respiratory infections.?
Mandela has received well wishes from around the globe from schools, political
parties, organizations and diplomats. He is generally described as a genuine
humanitarian who has inspired people worldwide with his fight for freedom,
forgiveness, and unity.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula called for the support and prayers of all South
Africans. "You must know that the former President needs your support and
prayers in his time of need," Mbalula said, at the launch of the Magnificent
Friday campaign at Johannesburg's Park Station.
On a visit to the Eastern Cape, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said,
?We hope that he is not seriously ill as reported, as I'm looking forward to
another Mandela Day in our schools. We wish him a speedy recovery."
DA leader Helen Zille said the party wished Mandela "a speedy and healthy
discharge from hospital", adding that "we must respond to the current situation
with the dignity and calm that he would expect."
A debt collecting company, Debt Tec said Mandela's "demonstration of humility
amidst stormy currents rendered South Africa a shining beacon of reconciliation
and cohesion despite its disparate orientations - a characteristic which even
today is described by the entire world as a miracle," the company said, adding
their prayers are with the old man and his family.
"He is one of the world's statesmen, a truly global citizen in the finest sense
of the word, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," State
Department spokesperson Philip Crowley said, and reported that President Barack
Obama and his wife were praying for Mandela.
Recent reports say that Mandela is doing well and maintaining his sense of
humor. Mandela?s daughter, Zindzi Mandela-Hlongwane, told Reuters, "He is
recovering very well. Sense of humour, he eats, spends time with his
grandchildren. He's very well thank you." After his hospitalization, the former
president returned to his home in Johannesburg, where he continues to receive
treatment.
However, South African president Jacob Zuma cautioned the nation, saying:
"We want to assure the nation that Madiba is receiving very good medical care,
and is comfortable.
"We need to accept the reality that President Mandela, who is loved by all of
us, young and old, men and women, black and white, is not young any more.
"He will, from time to time, visit medical facilities for checkups, which is
normal for a person of his age.
"We should allow him to do so with dignity, and give the family and the medical
team the space to look after him, on our behalf, in privacy."