President Mandela shows sustained improvement

22 Jul 2013

Former President Mandela is still in a critical condition in hospital but shows sustained improvement.

President Jacob Zuma visited him in hospital this afternoon, 22 July 2013. The President once again assured Madiba of the love and support of all South Africans. The birthday celebrations for the former President on 18 July were the biggest ever this year, attracting scores of South Africans who engaged in community service in honour of Madiba.

President Zuma also shared with him a message from the family of former ANC President Chief Albert Luthuli, who led the ANC during the period that former President Mandela was arrested.

Message from the Luthuli Family

"On my behalf and Luthuli family as a whole, I wish you an enjoyable happy birthday. I am encouraged by the reports that have come through recently from the Presidency and Mandela family pointing on the direction of some recovery in your physical condition. I pray that it be sustainable each day as time takes you forward.

"Thina esesibadala sohlala sikhumbula izikhathi esiphuma kuzona and we are grateful for having been close to your life, Baba Mandela.

"I shall forever cherish some of those moments when you came to my father's home on the business of the ANC and we had to make tea and scones and host you. That laid the basis to regard you as my father after the death of my own biological father, Chief Albert Luthuli, and one has to admit that you always acted in the manner that consolidated that acknowledgement''.

May God Be With You!

Dr Albertina Luthuli Groutville, KZN"

President Zuma has reiterated his call to the nation to continue to keep Madiba in their thoughts and prayers.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, July 22 2013

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