Statement of ANC on reaction to Madiba visit

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 The African National Congress has noted the determined efforts
by some sections of our society to degrade the visit of the
National Office Bearers to Comrade Nelson Mandela. It is indeed
unfortunate that such views are expressed by some on social
platforms and translated by the media to mean the views of the
majority of South African society expressing public outrage.

The visit by the National Office Bearers of Tata Mandela was in
line with the accepted norms of Ubuntu that we value our elderly;
we take time to visit them and inform others on their condition.
We maintain that President Mandela is a global icon, as the ANC we
regard him as a leader of the people and we would want to keep the
world informed of his condition. The video footage captured by the
South African Broadcasting Corporation achieves this objective, it
was in the public interest and where appropriate we will continue
to update the nation, the continent and the world on the status of
our beloved statesman and revolutionary icon. Such should never be
used for political opportunism or to mask what we believe is the
fear of South Africans to accept that President Mandela is mortal
and aged.

The African National Congress stands by its statements that
President Mandela is in good health and in good spirits. We welcome
the words of appreciation and thanks we have received from many,
many South Africans expressing their gratitude that the ANC has
shared with them rare and precious moments with President Mandela.

South Africans are called upon to appreciate that Tata is 94
years old; he will thus be frail and not as active and energetic as
we all fondly remember him. There is no reason to be alarmed by the
visuals of an elderly person who clearly is receiving the necessary
care and attention. Our sincere gratitude goes to his medical team
and his family for their tireless and thankless care provided to
President Mandela.

Issued by
Jackson Mthembu
National Spokesperson
African National Congress