Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell is urging Bahamians to pray for South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela.
According to current South African President Jacob Zuma, Mr. Mandela’s condition as of yesterday improved but he is still in critical condition.

Mr. Mitchell said, “Following his release by the anti apartheid government in South Africa he vacationed here in The Bahamas and mixed widely with the Bahamian people.”
“That visit helped to cement what was an already large pool of
admiration for a man who had fought for the freedom of his people and
for those in the African Diaspora everywhere.”
Nelson Mandela became the first elected black President of The Republic of South Africa.

He had spent over 27 years in prison fighting apartheid in South Africa before he was inaugurated 1991.

Mandela sometimes called “Madiba” left office in 1999.

In 2001 he announced that he had prostate cancer.

Since then Mandela has been in and out hospital for different treatments related to a recurring lung infection.

Two weeks ago he was admitted to hospital for the lung infection and was listed in serious but stable condition.

It was reported not to long after that Mandela’s condition had taken a turn for the worst and he was listed in critical condition.

His family was summoned to hospital and crowds of well wishers surrounded the hospital to show their support.

President Zuma ensured the South African people that despite the saddening facts the 94-year-old former leader is “well-looked after and is comfortable”.

His family and supporters continue to stand by him through this tough time.

President of The United States Barack Obama, who was in Senegal at the time, describes Mr. Mandela as “a hero for the world”.
“His legacy will linger on through the ages,” he said.