MANDELA'S FINAL HOURS WERE 'NOT EASY'

AS MANDELA’S family comes to terms with his death, details of his final hours have emerged. The family yesterday released a statement through their spokesman, Themba Matanzima, thanking people around the world for their support.

“As a family, we are humbled by the messages of condolences and support we have received from governments and people around the world. Clearly, this once again underlies the simple truth that Madiba was not just a citizen of South Africa and the broader African continent but a global citizen.”

“They said Madiba was gone, just as when he was away during his 27 years of imprisonment, but his spirit would endure as it did then.

“It’s not been easy for the last two days and it won’t be pleasant for the days to come but with the support we are receiving from here and beyond, all will be well for the family,” Matanzima said.

City Press yesterday reported that news of Madiba’s worsening health reached President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday.

The newspaper wrote: “Mandela had not spoken a single word for months. He was unable to breathe without medical intervention and was receiving dialysis treatment.” On Wednesday and Thursday, his wife Graca Machel called the family to be with Mandela for his final moments.

The Sunday Times reported that Madiba was surrounded by Machel, his second wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, his eldest daughter Makaziwe and his grandson Mandla when he died. He was breathing without life support by the time he died peacefully at 8.50pm at his home in Houghton, Joburg.

A source at the Houghton home when Madiba died said the most difficult part of the evening was when a hearse arrived from 1 Military Hospital.