adminPresident Jacob Zuma said Mandela remains in a serious condition, but that over the last two days, his doctors have said that the improvements in his health have been sustained.
Zuma said Mandela “continues to engage with family”, according to the prepared text of a speech released by the President’s office.
When Mandela was hospitalised nine days ago at the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, it was his fourth admission to hospital since December.
A delegation of Christians was turned away at Mandela’s Qunu, Eastern Cape, home on Sunday when they came to offer their prayers and support.
When the missionaries, from the Reformed Church of Christ and the Apostolic Faith Mission, arrived at the Mandela house two police officers at the gate turned them away.
Two members of the group, while attempting to take pictures of themselves outside the house, were temporarily arrested and held inside a security room at the gate. This resulted in a heated exchange between the group and the police.
Apostolic Faith Mission women’s leader Nomzingisi Jonga (44) said they went to the gate wanting to know why the two were arrested.
“We came here because we had a prophecy at our night vigil yesterday (Saturday); to . . . pray for Madiba in his grounds. Now we are being denied access and also we were told not to pray in front of his gate.
“I wish I could share with you the prophecy, but now it is only God who knows, let his will be done,” said Jonga.
The group then crossed the N2 Transkei road, to pray in public.
Thambisa Nomatshitshi (21) said she was disappointed at how the police treated them.
“You cannot just arrest us because we are praying for Mandela, it’s wrong… we did nothing wrong,” said Nomatshitshi.
One police officer accused the group of betraying the freedom Mandela fought for. Police also tried to stop the media from taking pictures of the incident.
Eastern Cape police could not immediately comment. — Sapa.
Online Reporter