The Presidency on Thursday said the Defence Force has been tasked with ensuring that former president Nelson Mandela receives all the necessary support he needs.
In a statement released late on Thursday night, it said the Defence Force is responsible for all medical requirements and care of current and retired presidents.
Madiba has been in Johannesburg’s Milpark hospital for over 36 hours now, with little information about his condition coming out. A media briefing is expected at 12.30pm on Friday.
Outside the hospital, satellite vans line the main road leading into the hospital with many journalists having spent the night at the facility.
The foreign media contingent is also growing with a number of international wire agencies and networks having a presence there.
More reporters are also expected to arrive throughout the morning in anticipation of the briefing.
Outside Madiba’s home in Houghton, several police and presidential protection vehicles have gone in and out of Nelson Mandela’s home but otherwise things remain quiet.
A few cars are parked outside the house and several police officers have been out in the streets.
There is no official word on when Madiba will be returning home.
Messages of support stream in
Messages of support continue to stream in for Mandela.
The former boxing great Baby Jake Matlala, speaking at his tribute night on Thursday, said he believes that Madiba will pull through.
“I just hope he is going to heal quickly and our prayers are with his family. He is my hero,” said Matala.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula urged the public to give the Mandela family some space.
“Madiba is not dead, may he live long and live for us,” he said. 702 Eye Witness News