{{The family of critically ill anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela gathered around his hospital bedside on Monday as millions in South Africa and across the world feared for the worst.}}<\/p>\n
“Former president Mandela remains in a critical condition in hospital,” South African President Jacob Zuma said in a televised address to an anxious nation broadcast around the globe.<\/p>\n
“The doctors are doing everything possible to ensure his well being and comfort,” Zuma said.<\/p>\n
Mandela, the hero of black South Africans’ battle for freedom during 27 years in apartheid jails, was rushed to hospital on June 8 with a recurring lung infection.<\/p>\n
Despite intensive treatment at Pretoria’s Mediclinic Heart Hospital, the 94-year-old’s condition appears to have suddenly and dramatically deteriorated.<\/p>\n
Ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela — herself a figurehead of the anti-apartheid struggle — daughters Zindzi Mandela-Motlhajwa and Zenani Mandela-Dlamini and scores of officials flocked to the hospital on Monday.<\/p>\n
The family visits, while common since Mandela was admitted 17 days ago, come amid heightened fears for the former statesman’s health.<\/p>\n
Mandela’s eldest daughter Makaziwe has said her father appears to be at peace with himself.<\/p>\n
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