Nelson Mandela's ex-wife Winnie says he is showing 'great improvement but clinically he is still unwell'

Positive signs: Nelson Mandela is 'showing great improvement', according to his ex-wife

Nelson Mandela is showing a 'great improvement' in his health from a few days ago, his ex-wife said today.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela gave the update on the former South African president while speaking to media outside Mandela's former home in Soweto.
'I'm not a doctor, but I can say that from what he was a few days ago there is great improvement, but clinically he is still unwell,' said Madikizela-Mandela, who is also a member of South Africa's Parliament.
Members of Mandela's family and South African Cabinet ministers have visited the hospital where the 94-year-old is critically ill.
It comes after his daughter said yesterday that he was responding to touch and trying to open his eyes, adding: 'He's still there.'
Makaziwe said that when she went to see him in hospital he was still responsive and conscious.
'I won't lie, it doesn't look good,' she told SABC.
'But if we speak to him, he responds and tries to open his eyes. He's still there. He might be waning off, but he's still there.'
Mr Mandela's granddaughter Ndileka said he was 'stable' and thanked the well-wishers from around the world who have sent their support.
The whole family had been summoned to his bedside yesterday and president Jacob Zuma was believed to have been seen entering the hospital.
'I cancelled my visit to Mozambique today so that I can see him and confer with the doctors,' Mr Zuma said in a statement. 'He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night.'

In the Eastern Cape province, where Mr Mandela grew up, a traditional leader said that the time was near for the former leader, who is also known by his clan name, Madiba.
'I am of the view that if Madiba is no longer enjoying life, and is on life support systems, and is not appreciating what is happening around him, I think the good Lord should take the decision to put him out of his suffering,' said the tribal chief, Phathekile Holomisa.
'I did speak to two of his family members, and of course, they are in a lot of pain, and wish that a miracle might happen, that he recovers again, and he becomes his old self again,' he said.
'But at the same time they are aware there is a limit to what miracles you can have.'

Positive: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the ex-wife of Mr Mandela, tells the media that while he is improving, he was clinically still unwell

Looking on the bright side: Winnie also thanked the media for their support when she made her statement outside his former home in the Johannesburg township of Soweto

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj told the state broadcaster: 'Over the past 48 hours, the condition of former president Madiba has gone down.'
A South African newspaper has also reported the icon is on life support, citing numerous sources close to the family.

The Citizen newspaper says Mr Mandela has a team of doctors supporting him at a Pretoria hospital.
One source was quoted as saying that his family had the option to switch off the ventilator.

Consolation: Mr Mandela's daughter Makaziwe, pictured right outside the hospital, said he was 'still there' but admitted that his condition 'doesn't look good'

Family: The leader's granddaughter Ndileka arrived clutching a large bouquet of flowers

Mr Zuma cancelled a trip to neighbouring Mozambique, intensifying speculation about the deterioration of Mr Mandela's condition.
The president made his decision not to leave the country after visiting the 94-year-old late yesterday in the Pretoria hospital where he has been receiving treatment for a lung infection for nearly three weeks.
'Clearly the issue of seriousness has been such that President Jacob Zuma has cancelled his trip,' Mr Maharaj told Talk Radio 702.
He declined to comment on reports that Mandela was on life support, saying: 'I cannot confirm any clinical details.'

Peaceful: 95 children released balloons outside the hospital in honour of Mr Mandela, whose 95th birthday falls next month

Admiration: Two people look at the tributes to Mr Mandela left outside the hospital where he is being treated

CNN also reported that the former president could no longer breathe unaided, quoting an official who 'had been briefed in detail on his condition'.
George Bizos, one of Mr Mandela's closest friends and his former lawyer, told The Daily Telegraph that they had never discussed his wishes towards the end of his life.

'We can only hope for the best, and that is what the doctors decide to do,' he said. 'I am sure that the members of the family are discussing the matter with the doctors but it should probably be primarily the doctors in consultation with the family if the situation is critical.'
Last night a leading clergyman visited Nelson Mandela's bedside to offer prayers for his 'peaceful, perfect end'.
Thabo Makgoba, the Archbishop of Cape Town, issued an emotional statement asking that the former president of South Africa, who is in a critical condition, be released from pain and suffering.

Visit: Barack Obama holds his daughter Sasha's hand as the he and his family land in Dakar, Senegal

However, Mr Mandela apparently opened his eyes and smiled when he was told about Barack Obama's forthcoming visit to the country, according to his daughter.
The statesman was able to show his pleasure at hearing of the U.S. President's visit.

Mr Obama is believed to be keen to meet Mr Mandela, but given the delicate condition of the African leader he will not do so unless he is invited by the Mandela family.
That prospect appeared to be more likely after Mr Mandela's daughter Zindzi described how she told her father that Mr Obama would be touring South Africa.
After she told him 'Obama is coming,' she said, 'He opened his eyes and gave me a smile.'
The U.S. President arrived in Senegal yesterday and travelled to South Africa today during his second trip to Africa since taking office.
Speaking in Dakar, Mr Obama paid tribute to Mr Mandela and insisted his visit to South Africa would go ahead matter what.
He said that the anti-apartheid campaigner had helped inspire him to enter politics with his bravery and self-sacrifice.

Waiting: The balance of Obama's Africa trip could hang on the health of Mr Mandela

'I think he's a hero for the world,' Mr Obama said. 'And if and when he passes from this place, one thing I think we'll all know is that his legacy is one that will linger on throughout the ages.'

Mr Mandela has been in hospital being treated for a lung infection since June 8.

Mr Mandela, who became South Africa's first black president after the end of apartheid in 1994, was hospitalised for a recurring lung infection. This is his fourth hospitalisation since December.
Mandela was jailed for 27 years under white racist rule and was released 23 years ago, in 1990. He then played a leading role in steering the divided country from the apartheid era to an all-race democracy.
As a result of his sacrifice and peacemaking efforts, he is seen by many around the world as a symbol of reconciliation.

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