Nelson Mandela's ex-wife has dismissed speculation that the former South African president is on a life support machine, saying he is using facial expressions to communicate.
Nelson Mandela, remains "quite ill" and unable to speak because of tubes that are keeping his lungs clear of fluid, though he is relaxed, his former wife told a South African newspaper.
"He remains very sensitive to any germs, so he has to be kept literally
sterile. The bedroom there (in his suburban Johannesburg home) is like
an ICU ward," Winnie Madikizela-Mandela told the Sunday Independent. "He
is 95 years old and it is difficult for him, because of all the tubes
that are in his mouth to clear the (fluid from his) lungs, and prevent
an infection recurring." Because of those tubes, she said, he
communicates through his face.
"But the doctors have told us they hope he will be able to recover his
voice," she said, adding that he is being treated by 22 doctors at his
home.
Mandela's former wife shot down reports that the former anti-apartheid leader and Nobel Peace prize winner was on life support.
"I have heard this nonsense that he is on life support. He is not," she
told the newspaper. When asked if he was peaceful, she said, "Very. When
he is very relaxed, he is fine," adding that it helps he is at his
home, an environment that he recognizes.
Mandela has been in intensive medical care at his Johannesburg home
since being discharged on Sept. 1 after nearly three months in a
hospital for a recurring lung infection.
Madikizela-Mandela's comments come days before the release of the film
based on Mandela's autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom" and which stars
British actor Idris Elba. Madikizela-Mandela, 77, published a book of
her prison diaries earlier this year entitled "491 Days: Prisoner number
1323/69."
"Of course, I wish he could read the book, but I really wish he could see the film," she said.
I pray he recovers soon. We love you Madiba.
Get well soon Madiba
ReplyDeleteGet well soon great teacher
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