Churches lead prayers for Madiba’s recovery
CHURCH leaders in South Africa are anxious about former president Nelson Mandela’s health, clergymen said yesterday as they visited the Pretoria hospital where he is being treated.
The delegation of clergymen, led by Bishop Abraham Sibiya of the Christ Centre Church in Pretoria, arrived at the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Arcadia to pray for Mandela.
“We pray that God will give him a speedy recovery and make him strong,” said Sibiya, who was accompanied by bishops from the All-Africa Bishops’ Council.
“We have come to pray that Mandela’s family all over South Africa may be strengthened in this difficult time. We pray that God will comfort them.”
Sibiya said Madiba was an epitome of reconciliation, not only at home, but for the world.
“He is a very good example of how the whole world should respond to the crises they face.
“Tata Mandela taught us we can put aside our differences [and] hostilities to join hands and pray together.”
He said a prayer session would be held outside the hospital because there were restrictions on entering the facility.
Only a small media contingent remained outside the hospital yesterday, but security remained tight and police checked all vehicles entering the facility.
Mandela’s former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, visited him with her daughter Zindzi.
Photographers rushed into Park Street when they arrived after midday in a black Audi fitted with blue police lights.
Mandela’s granddaughter Tukwini and three other relatives also visited.
The elder statesman’s family members have been spotted at the hospital several times over the past six days.
Well-wishers again left several messages at the main entrance of the Medi-Clinic yesterday. Colourful get-well-soon messages were printed on large pages and cards attached to the wall next to the security checkpoint.
One message read: “You are a fighter, I know you will make it. From Mpho Hanson.” A message from Isagoentle Geranyane read: “We need you Tata Madiba”, and from Emedi Morule a card read: “Get well soon Tata.”
A blue balloon was hanging near the entrance with the message: “Speedy recovery, the legend.”
Passers-by stopped at the entrance to read the messages of support. Traces of blue and white candle wax bore witness to a night vigil.
Mandela was admitted to hospital early last Saturday with a recurring lung infection. The presidency said he was in a “serious but stable” condition.
President Jacob Zuma and ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize visited the ailing icon on Thursday.
“Madiba’s health continues to improve but his condition remains serious,” Zuma said.
CHURCH MESSAGE: South African bishops pray yesterday outside the hospital in Pretoria where Nelson Mandela is being treated. Mandela, 94, continued to recover from a lung infection but his condition remained serious, the government said on Thursday. President Jacob Zuma visited Madiba at the hospital, to which he was admitted in a ‘serious but stable’ condition last Saturday, a statement said