Nelson Mandela’s Life: ‘In God’s Hands Now’

Nelson Mandela’s life hangs in the balance as the former South African President and anti-apartheid legend was visited by his ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on Sunday.

Winnie and Nelson Mandela were married for almost 40 years. She spoke about how it feels for her to see her ex-husband on his deathbed in an exclusive interview with the British network, ITV news:

“It is extremely painful to see him going through what he’s going through now. But it’s God’s wish,” She told ITV news, alluding to the fact that Mandela’s life is now firmly in “God’s hands.”

The ex-President has been in hospital since June 8 of this year, suffering from a recurring lung infection that he contracted during his time in prison during the apartheid era.

According to his daughter, Zindzi Mandela, her father, now aged 94, is awake and aware of his surroundings.

She told ITV news: “The one time he did speak was to tell my mom to sit down … because she was standing at the edge of his bed,” Showing that the former leader still has his wits about him despite being in critical condition.

As Nelson Mandela’s health deteriorates, the show of support in South Africa and around the world has been phenomenal. On Sunday, the Salvation Army band gathered near to the hospital and played songs and hymns for the recovery of Mandela.

There had been some talk in the media of the family ending life support for Mandela. Winnie clarified in her interview that this was not going to happen: “It was nonsense to suggest we needed to take a decision to pull the tubes.”

In keeping with the “God” talk, a life long friend of the family, Andrew Mlangeni, was quoted in the Sunday times saying, “It’s time to let him go,” continuing:

“Once the family releases him, the people of South Africa will follow. We will say thank you, God, you have given us this man, and we will release him too.”

Do you think it’s correct to urn off life support? Especially with older people or those terminally ill or suffering? Or do you think that switching off life support is never an option?

[Image via: Huffington post]