Mandela family gathers for ‘urgent’ meeting as ex-leader’s condition stays critical

PRETORIA, South Africa – Nelson Mandela remains in a critical condition, South Africa’s government said Tuesday as relatives gathered at his home for a family meeting that local media reports described as 'urgent'...

PRETORIA, South Africa – Nelson Mandela remains in a critical condition, South Africa’s government said Tuesday as relatives gathered at his home for a family meeting that local media reports described as “urgent.”

“Doctors continue to do their best to ensure his recovery, well-being and comfort,” said a statement from the South Africa’s presidency.

The 94-year-old anti-apartheid campaigner and democracy icon has been in hospital with a lung infection since June 8, but his condition was suddenly downgraded over the weekend from “serious but stable” to “critical.”

His close relatives and chiefs members of his clan gathered for a meeting at his home in Qunu, Eastern Cape province, on Tuesday morning.

Among those who arrived at the homestead were Mandla Mandela, Thanduxolo Mandela, Ndaba Mandela, and Ndileka Mandela.

A South Africa Press Association correspondent said the meeting followed an “urgent call” reportedly made by the former president’s children and quoted Napilisi Mandela, an elder in the Mandela family, as saying the meeting was being called “to discuss delicate matters”.

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