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Nelson Mandela: Well-wishers flock to Pretoria hospital Nelson Mandela: Well-wishers flock to Pretoria hospital
(35 minutes later)
Well-wishers are continuing to gather outside the hospital in Pretoria where former President Nelson Mandela remains in a critical condition.Well-wishers are continuing to gather outside the hospital in Pretoria where former President Nelson Mandela remains in a critical condition.
They have been singing and saying prayers both outside the hospital and at his former home in Soweto.They have been singing and saying prayers both outside the hospital and at his former home in Soweto.
People are anxious about his health but also want to express pride in the man many consider the father of the nation, the BBC's Karen Allen reports.People are anxious about his health but also want to express pride in the man many consider the father of the nation, the BBC's Karen Allen reports.
South Africa's first black president is suffering from a lung infection.South Africa's first black president is suffering from a lung infection.
The 94-year-old icon of the anti-apartheid struggle has now spent 20 days in hospital.The 94-year-old icon of the anti-apartheid struggle has now spent 20 days in hospital.
President Jacob Zuma - who cancelled a visit to Mozambique on Thursday to visit Mr Mandela in hospital - said his condition had improved, but still remained critical.President Jacob Zuma - who cancelled a visit to Mozambique on Thursday to visit Mr Mandela in hospital - said his condition had improved, but still remained critical.
Mr Mandela's daughter Makaziwe admitted on Wednesday night after seeing him that "he doesn't look good... but... if we speak to him, he responds and tries to open his eyes".Mr Mandela's daughter Makaziwe admitted on Wednesday night after seeing him that "he doesn't look good... but... if we speak to him, he responds and tries to open his eyes".
She was also highly critical of the behaviour of the international media, accusing some of behaving like vultures with their "overboard" coverage.She was also highly critical of the behaviour of the international media, accusing some of behaving like vultures with their "overboard" coverage.
Mixed emotionsMixed emotions
Messages of support and thanks posted to the hospital railings and walls have swollen as the days have gone, our correspondent reports from outside the hospital. An increasing number of messages of support and thanks have been posted on the hospital railings and walls.
Many contain images that capture the life of Nelson Mandela, known by his clan name Madiba.Many contain images that capture the life of Nelson Mandela, known by his clan name Madiba.
People sang and danced in tribute during an all-night prayer vigil outside his former home in Soweto.People sang and danced in tribute during an all-night prayer vigil outside his former home in Soweto.
Children released 94 balloons - one for every year of the ex-president's life - into the air in his honour.Children released 94 balloons - one for every year of the ex-president's life - into the air in his honour.
There are mixed emotions among the well-wishers, our correspondent says. People are sad and anxious but at the same time feel deeply proud of him and his achievements. There are mixed emotions among the well-wishers outside the hospital, our correspondent reports. People are sad and anxious but at the same time feel deeply proud of him and his achievements.
"There is no sadness here. There is celebration. He is a giant," 57-year-old Nomhlahla Donry, whose husband served time with Mr Mandela, told the AFP news agency.
"We are saying let him live long because we like him and he has done a lot for us in this world. He's done a lot of amazing things and we really love Tata," local resident Alfred Makhathini told Reuters.
South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has said it will hold vigils each day that the former leader remains in hospital.South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has said it will hold vigils each day that the former leader remains in hospital.
US President Barack Obama, who is due to fly to South Africa later on Friday, described Mr Mandela as "a hero for the world".US President Barack Obama, who is due to fly to South Africa later on Friday, described Mr Mandela as "a hero for the world".
"His legacy will linger on through the ages," he said, while on a visit to Senegal on Thursday."His legacy will linger on through the ages," he said, while on a visit to Senegal on Thursday.
Meanwhile media reports say the bodies of three of Mr Mandela's children are to be moved from his birthplace to his home in Qunu, where he himself has said he wants to be buried.
They include his son Makgatho, who died of an Aids-related illness in 2005.