Mandela in 'critical but stable' condition, says granddaughter
Nelson Mandela's granddaughter has told reporters outside the hospital where he is being treated that her grandfather is "critical but ... in a stable condition".
An official update is expected on his condition at midday, Irish time.
"He's stable and we'd like to say that we thank everybody for giving their support and praying with us ... we are anxious as you know that he is critical but he's in a stable condition right now," the BBC reported Mdileka Mandela to have said.
"It's been hard, especially because of all of this - that we have to do everything in the public eye."
She says it has been a difficult situation for the family, especially because they are coping with Mr Mandela’s illness in the public eye.
One of Mr Mandela's daughters says he is in very critical condition but is still opening his eyes and reacting to touch.
Makaziwe Mandela told South Africa’s state broadcaster that the former president and anti-apartheid leader is still giving the family hope, even though “anything is imminent”.
She says her family will wait with him until “the time to go”.
Earlier South African President Jacob Zuma cancelled a visit to Mozambique scheduled for today after visiting Mr Mandela.
A statement from his office says Mr Zuma was briefed by doctors treating Mr Mandela, who was taken to hospital on June 8 with what the government said was a recurring lung infection.
Members of a choir from the Salvation Army prayed and sung outside the hospital today.
Members of the youth league of the country’s ruling party, the African National Congress, were planning prayer meetings to honour Mr Mandela.
