Speculation runs wild after Nelson Mandela family meeting in Qunu

As former South African president Nelson Mandela spends his third day in a critical condition, his relatives gather in his hometown Qunu to “discuss delicate matters”

Mandela

Close relatives of Nelson Mandela and chiefs of the Abathembu royal family gathered at his home in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape, on Tuesday morning.

The gathering was reportedly in response to an urgent call made by his children, as the anti-apartheid icon lies critically ill in hospital.

On Tuesday the Presidency announced that Madiba’s condition was unchanged and the doctors continued to do their best to ensure his recovery. President Jacob Zuma also restated his appeal for support for Mandela and urged the public to respect the family’s privacy and dignity.

Napilisi Mandela, an elder in the Mandela family who usually presides over the family’s meetings and rituals, confirmed that the meeting was called to discuss delicate matters pertaining to the former president.

Among those who arrived at in Qunu were Mandla Mandela, Thanduxolo Mandela, Ndaba Mandela and Ndileka Mandela. Also present was chief Bhovulengwe of the Abathembu royal council.

SABC said that Mandela’s granddaughter, Ndileka, has down-played the significance of the family meeting.

No family members were seen at the hospital on Tuesday and Mandela’s only visitors were his medical team, who arrived shortly after 8am. Several cars have also been seen at the Mandela family gravesite,  situated just across the street from Madiba’s Qunu home. The private gravesite is where all the Mandela family members are buried.

Often in Xhosa custom, a family visits a gravesite when they sense that a member might soon join the ancestors, or to speak to the ancestors to spare them for a while longer.

BBC Breaking News reported that a meeting has become ‘heated’ according to a source close to the family.

Twitter is full of speculation about Mandela’s health and the reasons for the family gathering in Qunu.

“Honestly I think Madiba is being kept cruelly on machines to spare the nation’s feelings,” said Tendy Ljimu.

“Could it be the old man passed away?” wondered Maredi Morema.

The family meeting was allegedly delayed, as Silmuko Mandela, also a close relative, said in the morning that the final arrangements were still being made: “Many of us in the village were not ware and we were only told this morning, so a number of Mandela elders still need to be transported to Qunu before the meting.”

Scores of journalist have been banned from crossing the N2 and restricted to parking across the street from the house.

Two dove breeders from Johannesburg released around 100 doves outside the hospital in an apparent plea for peace in South Africa once Mandela dies. One of the breeders, Thomas Coutts, told the Mail & Guardian newspaper that the doves symbolised South Africa’s affection for Mandela.

“He gave us our freedom and peace. We pray for peace and prosperity even after he dies. This is our way of showing our gratitude to him,” Coutts said.