Another Day Passes, And Nelson Mandela Still In Critical Condition

After hours of vigils and secret family meetings, South Africans awoke to another day of unease Wednesday as ailing anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela remained hospitalized in critical condition.

“Former President Nelson Mandela’s condition remains unchanged in hospital and doctors continue to do their best to ensure his recovery, well-being and comfort,” the government said in a statement late Tuesday night.

As the nation remained on edge, police barricaded the street leading to the hospital’s main entrance.

Well-wishers hung balloons, stuffed animals and messages of support along the wall outside his Pretoria hospital . Crowds hovering nearby sang “where is Mandela” as they matched toward the entrance.

Mandela has been hospitalized since June 8 for a recurring lung infection, and authorities have described his condition as critical in the last few days.