National Post (National Edition)
TV VISITWITH MANDELA ‘IN BAD TASTE’
JOHANNE SBURG • Nelson Mandela’s daughter attacked Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s president, Tuesday for inviting television cameras to record a visit to her father that showed him looking frail and bewildered by the politicians jostling around him.
Maki Mandela said the airing of the footage, which has prompted widespread condemnation from South Africans, was “undignified and in bad taste.”
“There’s not a single grandchild or child in their sane mind who would want their parent or grandparent to be exposed to the public in this state,” she said.
“I would never expose him to that. I wouldn’t like it if I was in that condition for my picture to be shown — I would want people to remember me in the good times.”
Concern about the health of Mr. Mandela, 94, have been growing after he was readmitted to hospital in March with a lung infection.
The images aired by public broadcaster SABC Monday of the ruling African National Congress visit to Mr. Mandela’s Johannesburg home were the first of the former president in nearly nine months and showed graphically how his health is failing.
Propped up by cushions, his legs covered by a blanket, Mr. Mandela gripped the arm rests of his chair and stared ahead as Mr. Zuma, grinning beside him, patted his hand and posed for pictures as other ANC members stood behind.
As cameras flashed, Mr. Mandela shut his eyes and pursed his lips. Lines were visible on his face, seemingly from the recent use of an oxygen mask.
during the 90-second clip, he opened his mouth only once, appearing to gasp for breath.
The release of the footage has prompted accusations of political exploitation by the ANC, which is facing a voter backlash in next year’s elections over its failure to reduce unemployment and wealth inequality.
Mr. Zuma’s claim to SABC during the visit Mr. Mandela was “up and about” and “in good shape and good spirits” was widely derided.
It was also pointed out the government has repeatedly appealed to the media to allow Mr, Mandela and his family privacy during his periods of ill health.