Nelson Mandela in 2000.
Library of the London School oFormer South African President Nelson Mandela, whose health remains critical following a lung infection, has become the latest victim of death hoax.
The 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader, who was admitted to Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, was in a critical condition on Tuesday and doctors are doing their best to ensure his recovery, President Jacob Zuma's office said in a statement.
"We must support him and support his family. We must demonstrate our love and appreciation for his leadership during the struggle for liberation and in our first few years of freedom and democracy by living out his legacy and promoting unity, non-racialism, non-sexism and prosperity in our country," said President Zuma.
Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba with Mandela's family on Tuesday prayed for the leader at his bedside in the hospital, CNN reported.
"Lord Jesus Christ, you are a God who knows vulnerability, weakness and frailty,
You are Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Lord of life and death, Your power sustains us in life and death," according to a copy of the prayer posted on bishop's website.
"May your arms of love, stretched wide on the cross for us,
Now enfold Madiba, and Graça, with compassion, comfort and
the conviction that you will never forsake them but that
you will grant Madiba eternal healing and relief from pain and suffering.
"And may your blessing rest upon Madiba now and always. Grant him, we pray, a quiet night and a peaceful, perfect, end."
Mandela's well-wishers gathered outside the hospital where is he sent flowers, drawings placards with messages to show their support for the leader. Madela, who will turn 95 on 18 July, is considered an international icon of democracy following his life-long fight to end racial segregation in the country.
