Nelson Mandela’s relatives fly from around the world to be at his bedside, as he faces fourth day in hospital

Former South African president's wife, ex-wife, children and grandchildren have all visited the Pretoria hospital where he is being treated for a recurrent lung infection

Relatives, including his ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, visited the ailing former leader on Monday

John Hall

Nelson Mandela’s relatives have flown from around the world to be at his bedside, as the former South African president faces a fourth day in hospital.

Mr Mandela’s wife Graca Machel cancelled an appearance in London to visit the 94-year-old in the Pretoria hospital where he is being treated for a recurrent lung infection, while his eldest daughter Zenani Mandela-Dlamini returned from Argentina, where she is the South African ambassador.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela also travelled to visit her ex-husband, who has been in intensive care since being taken to hospital on Saturday – his third admittance for a lung infection this year.

Mr Mandela’s granddaughters have also been seen coming and going from the hospital over the last couple of days, while another daughter Zindzi Mandela was yesterday reported as saying: “I've seen my father and he is well. He is a fighter”.

The office of South African President Jacob Zuma said Mr Mandela remains in a serious but stable condition, adding: “President Jacob Zuma reiterates his call for South Africa to pray for Madiba and the family during this time.”

The foundation led by retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu released a statement describing Mr Mandela as “an extraordinary gift”.

The foundation added: “As the beloved father of our nation, Nelson Mandela once again endures the ravages of time in hospital… Our prayers are for his comfort and his dignity”.

In December last year, Mr Mandela spent 18 days undergoing treatment for a lung infection and gallstones.

Before becoming South African president in 1994, Mr Mandela spent 27 years in Robben Island prison, where he contracted tuberculosis.

It is believed that the disease permanently damaged his lungs, indirectly leading to the numerous infections he has suffered since retiring from public life in 2004.

NELSON MANDELA: KEY DATES

• 1918 Born in the Eastern Cape

• 1943 Joins African National Congress 

• 1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped

• 1962 Arrested, convicted of sabotage, sentenced to five years in prison

• 1964 Charged again, sentenced to life

• 1990 Freed from prison

• 1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize

• 1994 Elected first black president

• 1999 Steps down as leader

• 2004 Retires from public life

• 2010 Last public appearance - at World Cup finals