Nelson Mandela’s Daughters Speak About His REAL Condition
President Obama and Hillary Clinton Sent Warm Messages
Nelson Mandela's daughter Zindzi Mandela said that her father "is not going anytime soon".
In an exclusive interview with NBC News Special Correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Ms Mandela said that the anti-apartheid hero was "very comfortable" and "responding" to the treatments that doctors were giving him. According to her, her father's condition was "typical for a 94-year-old man whose health is frail."
Ms Mandela said that his father's legacy is about fighting, "I can't stress enough what a fighter he is. He's a strong man. He's about resilience.
She emphasized that, "He is with us. He might be waning off, but he's still there."
Another daughter, Makaziwe Mandela told SABC television that, "I won't lie, it doesn't look good. But as I say, if we speak to him, he responds and tries to open his eyes. He's still there. But I think for us, as his children and grandchildren, we still have this hope because you know when we talk to him, he will flutter his eyelids trying to open his eyes and will open his eyes. When you touch him, he still responds. And I think for us his progeny, as long as Tata is still responding when we talk to him, when we touch him, I think that gives us hope."
She also hinted that the Mandela's family was disappointed on how foreign media crossed the lines, disrespecting the distance and respect observed by their African culture when it comes to illness of a respected, honored leader like Mr Mandela.
In a tone with subtle hatred she said, "There's sort of a racist element with many of the foreign media, where they just cross boundaries. It's truly like vultures waiting the lion has devoured the buffalo, waiting there for the last of the carcass. That's the image we have as a family."
She acknowledged that it is normal for people to be interested about his father "but I just feel that it has gone overboard. If people say they really care about Nelson Mandela, ten they should respect that. They should respect that there is a part of him that has to be respected."
She pointed out that the international media did not make a circus when British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was hospitalized. More than anything else, she appealed for the media to respect her father's privacy.
Other members of the Mandela family said that they appreciate how the world loves Mr Mandela.
Swati Dlamini, one of Mandela's 17 grandchildren said that, "Sometimes it is very hard for all of us in the family. We just appreciate that he's loved."
Meanwhile, President Barrack Obama expressed his warm thoughts to Mr Mandela and said that his prayers are with the Mandela Family.
Ms Zindzi Mandela was asked whether they would welcome a visit by President Barack Obama who is set to visit the country this weekend. She said that she did not receive any information or any formal request for the supposed visit. However, she said that only the doctors can decide on that.
Also, former secretary of State Hillary Rodman Clinton tweeted her warm thoughts for the ailing Mr Mandela, referring to the anti-apartheid hero as Madiba.
Her tweet goes, "Bill, Chelsea & I have sent our love and prayers to our great friend, Madiba, his familyand his nation during this difficult time."