ANC members in Gauteng sang for Mandela, 94, and wished him a speedy recovery just before the start of their special provincial general council in Alberton on the East Rand yesterday.
“May he recover speedily. He remains an inspiration to us and we wish him a long life,” said provincial chairman Paul Mashatile, before leading members in song praising Mandela, and declaring “there is no one like him”.
Family members also visited him at the hospital yesterday, including his children and grandchildren.
News of his hospitalisation this weekend has had many people worried, with some churning out some of his quotes on Twitter.
Well-wishes for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate poured in from across the world at the weekend.
Yesterday worshippers at the Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Rockville, Soweto, gathered to offer prayers for the icon.
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) spokesman Patrick Craven sent his best wishes to Mandela and his family. He said he hoped there was really no cause for alarm.
Yesterday morning, President Jacob Zuma visited Mandela, a day after he was airlifted to an unnamed hospital in Pretoria to undergo medical tests.
“He found him comfortable and in good care,” Zuma’s office said.
After Mandela’s admission on Saturday the Presidency issued a statement containing assurance that there was “no cause for alarm” and that he was admitted for tests “consistent with his age”.
It is believed he is admitted at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria.
Mandela’s healthcare needs have been taken over by the military since his respiratory infection in 2011.
Ordinary citizens also send their well wishes.
“uTata will recover and our prayers are with him and his family,” assured Mpho Mokete, from Vaal who was attending the weekend’s derby match between Chiefs and Pirates at Soccer City.
Nelson Modiega from Polokwane asked for divine intervention and made a plea to the entire South Africans and the world to put Tata in their prayers.
Jackey McLoy from Randburg said:”We wish Madiba a speedy recovery. My two young children also send their wishes and one of them drew his picture smiling as a sign of recovery.”
